Cider and beer on banks of the Wye

Beer On The Wye

The Wye and wherefore

Wye… you may ask, well it’s because it’s one of the ‘must-do’ events in the county and a place where you can try more than 120 cask beers.

Set in a giant big top-style marquee in a meadow next to the city’s Rowing Club, Beer On The Wye gets underway this weekend in the heart of historic Hereford from Friday, 7 July, to Sunday, 9 July.

But it isn’t just the great location that makes the festival so popular, it has also gained a reputation for being a friendly ‘event’ that attracts people year after year from the length and breadth of the UK.

And it isn’t just the visitors who come from afar, so do many of the beers that cover a real gamut of styles and strengths.

More than 120 different beers (of every conceivable style, hue and strength) from the length of breadth of the nation will feature on the single 120ft-long main bar, which includes the Herefordshire Brewers’ Bar, where you can try some of the very best ales from around the county.

And while it may be called Beer On The Wye, the festival’s cider bar also boasts over 120 different ciders and perries… 100 from Herefordshire producers alone.

But it’s not just about beer, cider and perry. Hot, cold and vegetarian food ensures the opportunity is always there to mop up the alcohol, and seven live bands will keep the marquee rocking well into the evenings. Hired Guns headline on Friday night and Shamus O’Blivion performs on the Saturday night. But for those who want a quieter time the Friday afternoon is always a good time to visit; while Sunday’s Family Fun Day is the best day to take the children along.

Run by the festival charity, HOPE Support Services, the Family Fun Day runs from noon until 5pm and admission is only £1; accompanied kids go free. Parents can relax and enjoy some of the many beers, ciders and perries at a discounted price, whilst the kids get to enjoy a children’s entertainer; crazy disco; slide and sumo wrestling; face-painting and many other fun activities.

For more details visit the Beer On The Wye website.