Cambridge Beer Festival returns with UK’s top beer competition

Cambridge Beer Festival returns later this month with organisers promising more than 300 beers, thousands of visitors and the crowning of the UK’s Champion Beer of Britain.

The six-day festival runs on Jesus Green from Monday 18 May to Saturday 23 May and is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors once again.

The prestigious Champion Beer of Britain 2026 title will be announced on Tuesday 19 May, with many of the finalist beers available for festivalgoers to sample while stocks last.

Organisers say the event remains one of the largest beer festivals in the country, with last year’s crowds consuming more than 69,000 pints of British beer alongside international beers, cider, mead and wine.

This year’s festival will feature more than 300 UK and international beers, around 80 ciders and perries, plus gluten free options and a new low and no alcohol bar.

Festival favourites including the cheese counter will also return, alongside a wide range of food stalls.

The 2026 event will celebrate the 100th anniversaries of both Winnie-the-Pooh and Paddington Bear, with themed collectables and bear-inspired beers featuring throughout the week.

Festival organiser Neil McGovern said organisers were looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Jesus Green.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to our fantastic range of beers, ciders, mead and wine.

Even if the weather doesn’t hold out, our massive marquees make sure the festival can still be enjoyed.”

CAMRA Awards Director Shelly Bentley added:

“The competition is a reminder of the remarkable brewing talent in all corners of this country.”

This year’s chosen charity is Samaritans in Cambridge.