THE Winchester Beer and Cider Festival is returning to the city for the first time since 2020. 

This year's festival will be held at the University of Winchester Student Union on June 7 and 8. 

They will be showcasing up to 75 local and national cask ales, a large selection of ciders and perrys, and craft beer supplied by Southampton’s Olaf’s Tun and Bottle and Stoat. They will also have unusual beers and ciders, canned beers, wines and soft drinks.

Organisers are supporting Winchester’s Go LD charity which supports adults with learning disabilities to live their life to the full. Go LD promotes self-development, friendships, self-confidence and creativity and learning, by running weekly and monthly activities, providing advocacy and information, safeguarding and skills workshops.

READ MORE: Romsey Town Carnival committee calls for volunteers

Hampshire Chronicle: Previous beer and cider festival

A festival spokesman said: “A lot has happened since 2020, with more local breweries established, new cask beers being brewed and a thriving craft beer scene. 

“Suited for the summer time season of this year’s festival, our venue will feature a large outside terrace to enjoy the mid-summer sun with your drink, light and airy rooms with lots more seating than previous festivals, and all the beers located together in the one room to make it easier to find your tipple, we have listened to previous feedback to ensure this will be our best festival yet.

“As always, the festival would not be able to run with out our festival sponsors, and this year are would like to thank the support of The Flower Pots, Cheriton, who are sponsoring the glasses and Eastleigh’s Steam Town Brew Co., who are sponsoring the festival t-shirts. Again, all staffing working at the festival, from behind the bar to organising are all volunteers.”

The festival will feature four open sessions over the two days. 

From 11.30am to 4pm on June 7, there will be a quiet session. From 6pm, Ben and Zan Dlugokecki will be performing. 

The festival quiz will be held on June 8 in the afternoon. Then The Blurtones will be playing Britpop classics from 6pm. 

Tickets cost £10 per session and can be bought from Hyde Tavern, The Westgate, the William Walker and The Bottle and Stoat. They can also be bought by visiting winchesterbeerfestival.camra.org.uk/2024/tickets/.