August has certainly turned out to be a busy month for the brewing industry!
- We’ve had one of CAMRA’s biggest beer festivals which truly went down a storm.
- TV Star Jeremy Clarkson’s well-known pub has tied a knot with a well known Bristol based brewery.
- Heads have now turned to start thinking about Cask Marque’s annual celebratory week of real ale.
- Plus, don’t forget to check out our latest up to date guide to some of the UK’s beer festivals that may be happening somewhere near you.
Beer Business
The start of August brought thousands of people to the NEC in Birmingham for The Great British Beer Festival, organized by CAMRA. The four day festival showcased a wide range of beers, ciders and other alcoholic beverages from around the UK. The festival was said to be a huge success with beer enthusiasts travelling from around the country to come and get their hands on some of the finest real ale.
The festival also played its part by awarding many breweries either Gold, Silver or Bronze certificates for the beers that they have entered into a specific category for a chance to win. Judging for festivals like these can take around two years to complete and some of the beers are then further judged in regional competitions. Penzance Brewing Company, located in Cornwall, were certainly in the cheery spirit as their beer Mild 3.6% ABV was awarded Champion Beer Of Britain 2025 which is one of the most prestigious awards that is handed out at the festival.
The next major festival that will be taking place by CAMRA will be The Great British Winter Beer Festival which is normally held around February, more updates on this particular festival will be available soon.
Clarkson’s Farm, an Amazon Prime TV show, has certainly been a huge hit to the TV screens over the past three years, since former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson decided to give Farming a run for its money. Now, after four successful seasons, Jeremy Clarkson has not only got his small Diddly Squat Farm Shop business, but now his first ever purchased pub. The Farmer’s Dog has turned out to be a huge hit for tourism.
And now Jeremy has gone one step further, after completing a collaboration deal with Bristol based Butcombe Brewing Company. It’s understood that Butcombe’s flagship beer Butcombe Original Ale 4.0% ABV will be available on the bar alongside Jeremy’s own Hawkstone brewery classics.
A Yorkshire-based brewery, which has been featured by The Cask Connoisseur for its Frothingham Best, has announced its 2026 beer festival dates being Friday 19th & Saturday 20th June 2026.
Suffolk based Nethergate Brewery have revealed plans to expand the Sudbury site. It’s hoped if all goes to plan that the new development will open just in time for Christmas 2026. Nethergate have released further information on the new surroundings which include a new taproom, shop, café, warehouse and much more. The success of this proposal will in total create around 30 new jobs for the brewery which is a strong beneficial factor for the economy.
Cask Marque’s annual tradition to celebrate Cask Ale Week is on the horizon. Many pubs up and down the country are starting to get prepared, and also promoting the classic beer event. Real ale enthusiasts are encouraged to enjoy Cask Ale Week sensibly and proudly when toasting to Britain’s iconic handpulls across the UK’s pub industry.
Beer Releases
With breweries now turning their heads to autumn, there isn’t much to report on releases throughout August. However, as we head into the (ber) months, we will of course expect a variety of Halloween and Christmas beers being launched.
Badger Brewery, located in Dorset have released a golden glow, fruity and easy drinking beer. Outland Blonde 5.0% ABV is a smooth, drinkable golden beer which has the classic characteristics of a Belgian-based beer. The Cask Connoisseur has been given the opportunity by Badger Brewery to sample, review and share thoughts on Outland Blonde. Chris and I are eager to share this review to you all through our Youtube channel very soon.
Upcoming Beer Festivals
Wednesday, 3 September 2025
- Derby Heritage Beer Festival, Derby, CAMRA
Thursday, 4 September 2025
- 31st Tamworth Beer Festival, Tamworth, CAMRA
- Derby Heritage Beer Festival, Derby, CAMRA
Friday, 5 September 2025
- 31st Tamworth Beer Festival, Tamworth, CAMRA
- Basingstoke Beer Festival, Fairfields Road, Basingstoke, CAMRA
- Derby Heritage Beer Festival, Derby, CAMRA
- Wimbledon Beer Festival, Wimbledon, London, CAMRA
- Kirkcudbright Fringe Beer Festival, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway, (Non CAMRA)
- Kingston On Soar Village Beer Festival, Kingston On Soar. (Non CAMRA)
Saturday, 6 September 2025
- 31st Tamworth Beer Festival, Tamworth, CAMRA
- Basingstoke Beer Festival, Fairfields Road, Basingstoke, CAMRA
- Derby Heritage Beer Festival, Derby, CAMRA
- Wimbledon Beer Festival, Wimbledon, London, CAMRA
- East Malling Beer & Cider Festival, East Malling, Kent, CAMRA
- Kirkcudbright Fringe Beer Festival, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway, (Non CAMRA)
- Kingston On Soar Village Beer Festival, Kingston On Soar. (Non CAMRA)
Sunday, 7 September 2025
- Basingstoke Beer Festival, Fairfields Road, Basingstoke, CAMRA
- Wimbledon Beer Festival, Wimbledon, London, CAMRA
- Kirkcudbright Fringe Beer Festival, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway, (Non CAMRA)
Thursday, 11 September 2025
- Cannock Independent Beer Festival, Cannock, Staffordshire, (Non CAMRA)
Friday, 12 September 2025
- Wedmore Beer Festival, Wedmore, Somerset, (Non CAMRA)
- Cannock Independent Beer Festival, Cannock, Staffordshire, (Non CAMRA)
- 18th Moreton Beer & Cider Festival, Moreton In Marsh, Gloucestershire, CAMRA
- The Botallack Beer Festival at The Queens Arms, Botallack, Cornwall, (Non CAMRA)
- Caterham Beer Festival, Caterham, (Non CAMRA)
Saturday, 13 September 2025
- Wedmore Beer Festival, Wedmore, Somerset, (Non CAMRA)
- Cannock Independent Beer Festival, Cannock, Staffordshire, (Non CAMRA)
- 18th Moreton Beer & Cider Festival, Moreton In Marsh, Gloucestershire, CAMRA
- The Botallack Beer Festival at The Queens Arms, Botallack, Cornwall, (Non CAMRA)
- Caterham Beer Festival, Caterham, (Non CAMRA)
- Curdridge Beer Festival, Curdridge, Southampton, (Non CAMRA)
Sunday, 14 September 2025
- Wedmore Beer Festival, Wedmore, Somerset, (Non CAMRA)
- Cannock Independent Beer Festival, Cannock, Staffordshire, (Non CAMRA)
- The Botallack Beer Festival at The Queens Arms, Botallack, Cornwall, (Non CAMRA)
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
- York Beer & Cider Festival, York, CAMRA
Thursday, 18 September 2025
- Hunts CAMRA’s Autumn (Booze On The Ouse) Beer and Cider festival, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, CAMRA
- Stalham Beer Festival, Stalham, Norwich, (Non CAMRA)
- York Beer & Cider Festival, York, CAMRA
- The Great Yarmouth Beer & Cider Festival, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, (Non CAMRA)
Friday, 19 September 2025
- Guildford Beer Festival 2025, Guildford, Surrey, (Non CAMRA)
- Hunts CAMRA’s Autumn (Booze On The Ouse) Beer and Cider festival, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, CAMRA
- Stalham Beer Festival, Stalham, Norwich, (Non CAMRA)
- Bluebell Beer Festival, Uckfield, East Sussex, (Non CAMRA)
- Rastrick St John’s Beer Festival, Brighouse, Calderdale, (Non CAMRA)
- Guildford Beer Festival, Guildford, (Non CAMRA )
- York Beer & Cider Festival, York, CAMRA
- The Great Yarmouth Beer & Cider Festival, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, (Non CAMRA)
- Melton Mowbray Beer, Cider & Gin Festival, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, (Non CAMRA)
- Northwich Beer Festival, Northwich, Cheshire, (Non CAMRA)
Saturday, 20 September 2025
- Guildford Beer Festival 2025, Guildford, Surrey, (Non CAMRA)
- Hunts CAMRA’s Autumn (Booze On The Ouse) Beer and Cider festival, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, CAMRA
- Stalham Beer Festival, Stalham, Norwich, (Non CAMRA)
- Bluebell Beer Festival, Uckfield, East Sussex, (Non CAMRA)
- Rastrick St John’s Beer Festival, Brighouse, Calderdale, (Non CAMRA)
- Guildford Beer Festival, Guildford, (Non CAMRA )
- York Beer & Cider Festival, York, CAMRA
- The Great Yarmouth Beer & Cider Festival, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, (Non CAMRA)
- Melton Mowbray Beer, Cider & Gin Festival, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, (Non CAMRA)
- Northwich Beer Festival, Northwich, Cheshire, (Non CAMRA)
- St Margaret’s Beer Festival, Swindon, (Non CAMRA)
Sunday, 21 September 2025
- Stalham Beer Festival, Stalham, Norwich, (Non CAMRA)
- Bluebell Beer Festival, Uckfield, East Sussex, (Non CAMRA)
- The Great Yarmouth Beer & Cider Festival, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, (Non CAMRA)
Wednesday, 24 September 2025
- St Albans Beer and Cider Festival, St Albans, Hertfordshire, CAMRA
Thursday, 25 September 2025
- St Albans Beer and Cider Festival, St Albans, Hertfordshire, CAMRA
- Hoptons & Longton Beer Fest, Longton, (Non CAMRA)
Friday, 26 September 2025
- St Albans Beer and Cider Festival, St Albans, Hertfordshire, CAMRA
- Nine Bridges Beer Festival, Etton, Yorkshire, (Non CAMRA)
- Hoptons & Longton Beer Fest, Longton, (Non CAMRA)
- Kings Langley Beer & Fizz Festival, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, (Non CAMRA)
Saturday, 27 September 2025
- St Albans Beer and Cider Festival, St Albans, Hertfordshire, CAMRA
- Nine Bridges Beer Festival, Etton, Yorkshire, (Non CAMRA)
- Hoptons & Longton Beer Fest, Longton, (Non CAMRA)
- Kings Langley Beer & Fizz Festival, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, (Non CAMRA)
Sunday, 28 September 2025
- Nine Bridges Beer Festival, Etton, Yorkshire, (Non CAMRA)
- Hoptons & Longton Beer Fest, Longton, (Non CAMRA)
- Kings Langley Beer & Fizz Festival, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, (Non CAMRA)
Wednesday, 1 October 2025
- Bedford Beer Festival, Bedford, CAMRA
Thursday, 2 October 2025
- Ayrshire Real Ale Festival, Troon, CAMRA
- Bedford Beer Festival, Bedford, CAMRA
- 13th South Woodham Ferrers Beer & Cider Festival, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, CAMRA
- Carmarthenshire CAMRA Real Ale & Cider Festival, Carmarthen, CAMRA
Friday, 3 October 2025
- Ayrshire Real Ale Festival, Troon, CAMRA
- Bedford Beer Festival, Bedford, CAMRA
- 13th South Woodham Ferrers Beer & Cider Festival, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, CAMRA
- Carmarthenshire CAMRA Real Ale & Cider Festival, Carmarthen, CAMRA
- 18th Ascot Beer Festival, Ascot, Windsor & Maidenhead, CAMRA
- Weymouth Octoberfest, Real Ale & Cider Festival, Weymouth, CAMRA
Saturday, 4 October 2025
- Ayrshire Real Ale Festival, Troon, CAMRA
- Bedford Beer Festival, Bedford, CAMRA
- 13th South Woodham Ferrers Beer & Cider Festival, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, CAMRA
- Carmarthenshire CAMRA Real Ale & Cider Festival, Carmarthen, CAMRA
- 18th Ascot Beer Festival, Ascot, Windsor & Maidenhead, CAMRA
- Weymouth Octoberfest, Real Ale & Cider Festival, Weymouth, CAMRA
Wednesday, 8 October 2025
- Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival, West Bridgford, Nottingham, CAMRA
Thursday, 9 October 2025
- Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival, West Bridgford, Nottingham, CAMRA
Friday, 10 October 2025
- Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival, West Bridgford, Nottingham, CAMRA
- Orpington Autumn Real Ale & Cider Festival, Orpington, (Non CAMRA)
Saturday, 11 October 2025
- Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival, West Bridgford, Nottingham, CAMRA
- Orpington Autumn Real Ale & Cider Festival, Orpington, (Non CAMRA)
Sunday, 12 October 2025
- Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival, West Bridgford, Nottingham, CAMRA
- Orpington Autumn Real Ale & Cider Festival, Orpington, (Non CAMRA)
Wednesday, 15 October 2025
- Steel City Beer & Cider Festival, Sheffield, CAMRA
Thursday, 16 October 2025
- Steel City Beer & Cider Festival, Sheffield, CAMRA
Friday, 17 October 2025
- Steel City Beer & Cider Festival, Sheffield, CAMRA
Saturday, 18 October 2025
- Steel City Beer & Cider Festival, Sheffield, CAMRA
Thursday, 23 October 2025
- Carlisle Beer and Cider Festival, Carlisle, CAMRA
- 15th Gainsborough Beer Festival, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, CAMRA
Friday, 24 October 2025
- Time and Tide Rising Tide Craft Beer Festival, Canterbury, Kent, (Non CAMRA)
- Carlisle Beer and Cider Festival, Carlisle, CAMRA
- 15th Gainsborough Beer Festival, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, CAMRA
- 27th Worthing Beer & Cider Festival, Worthing, West Sussex, CAMRA
Saturday, 25 October 2025
- Time and Tide Rising Tide Craft Beer Festival, Canterbury, Kent, (Non CAMRA)
- Carlisle Beer and Cider Festival, Carlisle, CAMRA
- 15th Gainsborough Beer Festival, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, CAMRA
- 27th Worthing Beer & Cider Festival, Worthing, West Sussex, CAMRA
Thursday, 30 October 2025
- Redhill Beer Festival, Merstham, Redhill, CAMRA
Saturday, 1 November 2025
- Redhill Beer Festival, Merstham, Redhill, CAMRA
Friday, 7 November 2025
- Alloa Real Ale & Cider Festival, Marshill, CAMRA
Saturday, 8 November 2025
- Alloa Real Ale & Cider Festival, Marshill, CAMRA
Thursday, 13 November 2025
- Teddlington Beer Festival, Ferry Road, Teddlington, (Non CAMRA)
Friday, 14 November 2025
- Teddlington Beer Festival, Ferry Road, Teddlington, (Non CAMRA)
- Tutbury Club Rhythm & Booze Festival, Tutbury, Burton Upon Trent, (Non CAMRA)
Saturday, 15 November 2025
- Teddlington Beer Festival, Ferry Road, Teddlington, (Non CAMRA)
- Tutbury Club Rhythm & Booze Festival, Tutbury, Burton Upon Trent, (Non CAMRA)
Sunday, 16 November 2025
- Teddlington Beer Festival, Ferry Road, Teddlington, (Non CAMRA)
- Tutbury Club Rhythm & Booze Festival, Tutbury, Burton Upon Trent, (Non CAMRA)
Friday, 21 November 2025
- Newark Beer & Cider Festival, (Winter Edition), Newark On Trent, CAMRA
Saturday, 22 November 2025
- Newark Beer & Cider Festival, (Winter Edition), Newark On Trent, CAMRA
Background – Here at The Cask Connoisseur, even though we’re not subscribed to every potential newsletter or source of information, we receive around four hundred emails over the course of a month with various promotions, new release information, brewery newsletters,updates etc. Add on social media posts and that amounts to somewhere well over 1000 pieces of information being reviewed per month. The aim of this monthly round up is to provide a summary of the most interesting bits along with upcoming events that can be gleaned from them. The downside to a monthly review is a lot of “special offers” will have come and gone.
