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Here’s what to expect from N-FEST 2025 as Newbury Real Ale Festival gets a new look




After 20 years of incredible success, there’s a new look for a favourite Newbury event, writes Bethany Sirianni.

For two decades the Newbury Real Ale Festival has been delighting audiences every September, but organisers have decided it's time for an exciting new chapter with a new name to match.

Emma Aldridge, Gareth John and Maria Mason at a previous Newbury Real Ale Festival
Emma Aldridge, Gareth John and Maria Mason at a previous Newbury Real Ale Festival

N-FEST will return on September 13, to Northcroft Field, where the rebrand will reflect the festival's growth into one of Newbury's biggest community gatherings and social events.

Run by local volunteers from Newbury and Thatcham Hockey Club, the festival has become one of the biggest local events for fundraising with £50,000 raised in 2024 alone.

In 2025, N-FEST will continue to support Sport in Mind, who with the direct help of the festival’s previous donations have extended their reach into the Newbury area over the last five years. More community projects and charities will be announced over the summer as the festival continues to donate to the local area.

The launch of a previous Newbury Beer Festival with Vinnie Bulter from Newbury Hockey Club, Paul Owen of Sport in Mind and Dave Whittingham from Fusion Group
The launch of a previous Newbury Beer Festival with Vinnie Bulter from Newbury Hockey Club, Paul Owen of Sport in Mind and Dave Whittingham from Fusion Group

“This event has always been about friends gathering together,” said Vinny Butler, head of the organising team. “It’s about the community. It’s about people. It’s about smiles.

“Since its inception, community has been at the centre of the event, and we have made donations large and small every year we’ve existed.

“Core to this success has been the repeated support from our greatly valued local sponsors, many of which have been with us for decades. Not only do they help us set the event up, but now almost every penny of their sponsorship ends up going to our charitable donations every year.

A previous Newbury Real Ale Festival
A previous Newbury Real Ale Festival

“We can’t thank them enough for their support and investment. We are honoured that three local businesses; Lifecycle Software, Rebound Electronics and Arborite have chosen to become principal sponsors in 2025 alongside our core partners; Fusion Group, Renegade Brewery and Champion Group.”

The event is a celebration of local craft beers, ciders, wines, spirits and artisan foods, as well as offering local suppliers the chance to showcase their produce and represent the wide array of diverse flavours and products available throughout Berkshire.

Live music centre stage
Live music centre stage

The event will be set to a lively soundtrack of incredible performances from both up-and-coming local artists and national acts, which will be sure to keep the atmosphere buzzing again this year.

Early bird tickets are available now on the N-FEST website.



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