Peterborough Beer Festival returns to the Embankment for five days of beer, music and community spirit

Peterborough Beer Festival will return to the Embankment from Tuesday 25 August to Saturday 29 August 2026, bringing five days of outstanding beer, cider, live entertainment and volunteer-led hospitality to one of the city's best-loved summer events.

Organised by CAMRA volunteers and held in large outdoor marquees on Peterborough Embankment, the festival is expected to welcome around 25,000 visitors across the week. The 2026 event continues the festival's proud real ale tradition while introducing broader drinks choices designed to make the event welcoming for mixed groups, younger visitors and long-standing supporters alike.

At its heart, Peterborough Beer Festival remains a volunteer-run, not-for-profit CAMRA festival centred on real ale, with hundreds of cask beers, dedicated brewery bars and the friendly atmosphere that has built its reputation over many years. Alongside this core offer, the 2026 festival will include new additions including an Independent UK Lager Bar and a US Cask Bar with over 50 selections to choose from, ensuring there is something for everyone while protecting the festival's long-term future.

Dedicated brewery bars will also feature at the festival, giving visitors the chance to explore beers served directly by breweries and adding another layer of choice.

Festival opening hours are Tuesday 25 August from 5.30pm to 11pm, then noon to 11pm from Wednesday 26 August through Saturday 29 August. Admission is £3 before 3pm and £7 after 3pm, with CAMRA members able to enter free at all times. Advance tickets are available for evening sessions, while afternoon entry can be paid at the door.

Before the festival opens to the general public on Tuesday evening, Peterborough Beer Festival will host dedicated industry and trade sessions sponsored by Small Beer Ltd. The Industry Session runs from 1pm to 3pm for publicans, brewers, wholesalers and associated businesses, offering a focused opportunity to network, make new contacts and do business in a relaxed festival setting. This is followed by the Preview Session from 3pm to 5.30pm, giving pub supporters and invited guests the chance to sample the beers ahead of general admission.

Live music will once again form a major part of the festival experience, with entertainment scheduled across the week and a full programme showcasing local live bands, acoustic performers and upbeat festival favourites.

Raeanne Elliott, PR & Publicity for Peterborough Beer Festival, said: “Peterborough Beer Festival has always been about more than what is in the glass. It is about people, friendships, volunteers and the shared moments that make the festival such a special part of the city's summer. This year we are proud to celebrate our real ale roots while offering more choice, more reasons to visit and a warm welcome for everyone.”

Peterborough Beer Festival takes place on the Embankment, behind the Key Theatre, just a short walk from Peterborough railway station and the city's bus and coach stations. Visitors are encouraged to check the official festival website and social media channels for the latest details on tickets, opening times, music, food vendors and festival updates.

For more information:

Steve

steve@beernouveau.co.uk

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