Anticipation is brewing in pubs across the city ahead of this weekend as St Albans' very-own City of Ale is held to celebrate all things beer- here is everything you need to know for the festival.
From tap takeovers to full on beer festivals, this weekend promises a bumper calendar of events.
Kicking off festivities is a Heritage Plaque unveiling at the Farriers Arms. This commemorative celebration will run from 6pm until 7pm on Thursday (April 16).
A mixture of presentations will take place throughout the weekend, with a curator talk at the Inns and Alehouses exhibition at St Albans Museum & Gallery on Thursday between 7pm and 8pm.
The popular exhibition will be open to attendees all weekend, celebrating the history of St Albans' pubs past and present.
A highlight of the weekend is the Hertfordshire Beer of the Year presentation which takes place on Friday (April 17) between 8pm and 8.30pm at the White Hart Tap.
The presentations will be rounded off with a guided pub history trail on Sunday (April 19) between 3pm and 4.30pm.
Be part of a "special event"
Chair of South Herts CAMRA's organising team, Emily Ryans, told our readers what they can expect from the festival, she began: "We’re looking forward to welcoming people to St Albans: City of Ale this weekend. Events kick off on Thursday and run right through to Monday, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, whether you’re popping out for an evening or making a full weekend of it.
"There are more than 50 events taking place across the city. From beer and cider festivals and tap takeovers to tastings, talks and live music, there really is something for everyone to enjoy, and we’re hugely grateful to local publicans whose support has made the whole weekend possible.
"What makes City of Ale special is that it’s spread right across St Albans. It’s a chance for locals and visitors alike to explore the city and experience the incredible range of pubs we have here.
"We’d love to see as many people as possible join in and support our locals. It’s shaping up to be a brilliant few days and a real celebration of beer, cider and pubs in St Albans."
Beer Festivals
The Great Northern will be hosting a beer festival all day from Thursday to Sunday 19, while The Portland Arms is set for a "Best of British" Beer and Food Festival on the same dates
Starting on Thursday and concluding on Monday, The Mermaid will be hosting its own beer festival too.
Waterend Barn Wetherspoon is inviting customers for a cask ale showcase from Thursday to Monday.
The Lower Red Lion will also join in on the fun with its own festival and The Boot will host its Boot-iful Beer Fest - both run from Friday until Monday.
Live Music
Known for its eclectic music scene, St Albans is no stranger to some fantastic acts. The City of Ale is bringing together a huge lineup of artists and bands across the weekend. Find out where and when you can see them below:
- Give Aid Charity Event at The Horn - Thursday 16, between 8pm and 11pm
- The Maida Vales at the Beehive - Friday 17, between 7pm and 9pm
- Bob Dylan Tribute at the Mad Squirrel Tap - Friday 17, between 8pm and 10pm
- The Imitation Zone at the Farmer's Boy - Friday 17, between 9pm and 11pm
- Uptown Funk at The Horn - Friday 17, between 10.30pm and 2am
- Bronco Lane at the Great Northern - Saturday 18, between 1pm and 2pm
- The Bear Pit Band at the Farmer's Boy - Saturday 18, between 2pm and 4.30pm
- The Stance at the Great Northern - Saturday 18, between 2.30pm and 3.30pm
- Easy Peelers at the Great Northern - Saturday 18, between 4pm and 6pm
- Seb Wesson Duo at the Mad Squirrel Tap - Saturday 18, between 8pm and 10pm
- Kevin Clynes at the Garibaldi - Saturday 18, between 9pm and 11.30pm
- Special Kinda Madness at The Horn - Saturday 18, between 9pm and midnight
- Dirty Dog Band at The Cock - Saturday 18, between 9.30pm and midnight
- Blue Angel Acoustic Cafe at The Horn - Sunday 19, between 3pm and 6pm
- The Mighty Quinn at The Mermaid - Sunday 19, between 5pm and 7pm
Alongside the music, punters can enjoy the regular entertainment nights at several venues including the Jolly Sailor, Beehive, Horn, Farmer's Boy and Lower Red Lion.
Tap takeovers
Keep an eye out at venues across St Albans and beyond for tap takeovers featuring a range of different brews.
- Oakham Tap Takeover at Harpsfield Hall, Hatfield - Monday 13 to Sunday 19
- International Tap Takeover at the Mad Squirrel Tap - Thursday 16
- Deya Tap Takeover at Dylan @ The Kings Arms - Thursday 16 to Sunday 19
- Verdant Tap Takeover at the Craft & Cleaver - Thursday 16 to Sunday 19
- 3 Brewers Tap Takeover at the Lower Red Lion - Thursday 16 to Monday 20
- Beak Tap Takeover at the Beer Shop - Thursday 16 to Monday 20
- Harvey's Tap Takeover at the Robin Hood - Thursday 16 to Monday 20
- Tring Tap Takeover at the White Hart Tap - Thursday 16 to Monday 20
- Two Flints Tap Takeover at the Farmer's Boy - Thursday 16 to Monday 20
- XT Tap Takeover at the Beehive - Thursday 16 to Monday 20
- Brains Tap Takeover at the Hare & Hounds - Friday 17 to Monday 20
- Vale Tap Takeover at the Six Bells - Friday 17 to Monday 20
Meet the brewers
If you have always wanted to put a face to the big names in brewing here is your chance, as a number of brewers are hosting meet and greet events across the city.
On Thursday, the Verdant Crew are at the Craft & Cleaver between 6pm and 8pm.
The Two Flints team are at the Farmer's Boy on the same evening and can be seen between 7pm and 10pm.
Well-known local brewery - The 3 Brewers - can also be greeted on Thursday evening from 7.30pm until 9pm at the Lower Red Lion.
On Friday, Tring fans can meet the brewer at the White Hart Tap between 7pm and 10.30pm.
Then on Saturday, the final event features The XT brewer at the beehive from 4pm until 6pm.
To find out more visit: https://stalbanscityofale.org.uk/
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