Newbury Real Ale Festival, organised by Newbury & Thatcham Hockey Club in conjunction with Fusion Group, to return in September

The Newbury Real Ale Festival will return to Northcroft Park in September, writes Sofia Franco.

The annual festival – which has become a firm family favourite for the whole community while also raises vital funds for a number of local good causes – is being held on Saturday, September 9 and is being organised as always by Newbury & Thatcham Hockey Club and in collaboration with Fusion Group for the first time this year.

In 2022 the event donated £20,000 to eight different charities and organisers said at a launch event last week that they hope to generate even more this time around.

Founder of Fusion Group, David Whittingham, said he was delighted to be involved this year.

“The whole team are honoured to be at the heart of an event that has given so many smiles to so many people over the years,” he added. “The Newbury Real Ale Festival is particularly close to my heart as it brings people together and offers the best day out in the Newbury calendar.

“We have been involved in organising the festival for some 15 years now – almost since the beginning, since it will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2024.

“I look forward to working with the volunteers from Newbury & Thatcham Hockey Club in organising this fantastic gathering into its third decade! If you are running a local business, big or small, please reach out and become part of this community event – I can guarantee you’ll have a great time and will help to give back to the community in which we all live and work.”

Sara Dutfield, chair and licensee of the Fusion Group Newbury Real Ale Festival, told visitors to expect “a kaleidoscopic array of ales, keg beers and ciders, as well as a larger specialist drinks bar” as well as a new non-alcoholic bar featuring alcohol-free ales, beers, ciders and spirits.

The headline act this year is Killer Queen, with a supporting line-up that is “stronger than ever” and will include a wide variety of genres and musical styles, as well as a “bigger and better” open mic and acoustic music stage.

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday, June 30 and can be purchased online at www.newburyrealale.co.uk

She added: “Every year, we do things a little better and a little differently. We work hard to create an event that not only provides a great experience and value for money, but also generates significant revenue for the community.”