Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival 2024
Frequently Asked Questions

Entrance and Ticket queries

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available via the various day links here.

Do you offer a Season/Weekly ticket?

Yes, please see our ticket website.

What happens if I do not fully use my Drinks Vouchers?

Any remaining value on you Drinks Vouchers can be refunded at the Membership Bar, although many people might like to donate the remaining value to our Charity Partner.

Can I buy tickets at the Entrance?

Any unsold tickets will be available on the day, although with a much smaller festival, demand for tickets is very high so to ensure you can join us, we recommend you buy your tickets in advance.

What time is last entry?

We will allow entry up to 22.30 each day with the bar closing at 23.00.

Will I need proof of age?

We will operate a ‘Challenge 25’ policy. If you are lucky enough to have a youthful appearance, please make sure you bring proof of age with you. Our entrance team will be issuing 'Over-18' wrist bands to ensure that once you have proved your age, you will not need to be asked again.

Do I need a ticket if I am not drinking alcohol?

All customers require a ticket covering the entrance charge, a non-refundable souvenir glass and a £10 Drinks Voucher card. If you do not use all or any of your voucher card(s), a refund can be obtained at our Membership Bar. Free soft drinks will be available to drivers and others who choose not to consume alcohol.

I want to organise a 'works do' at the festival. Do you offer corporate packages?

Please contact ku.gro.armac.fcbc@etaroproc to enquire about a corporate ticket deal.

What can I bring?

Are children allowed?

Yes, children under 18 are welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult - a ticket is not required, for example an 18 year old accompanying a 17 year old would neither be acceptable nor permitted. As with any licensed premises, it is illegal for under 18s to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol or consume it. It is also illegal to purchase alcohol for consumption by anyone under 18 years old.

Are dogs allowed?

Well-behaved dogs on a lead accompanied by a responsible adult are welcome. Taps and receptacles for pet drinking water are available on-site.

Is smoking or vaping allowed?

Smoking and vaping is prohibited in any enclosed space (marquees and toilets) or at the entrances to those areas. The festival site is a large open area, please use spaces away from any structures so that collateral smoke or vapours do not inconvenience other festival-goers.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and soft drinks. Your bags will be searched at the entrance as no alcohol purchased outside the festival is allowed on-site. We have a range of excellent food vendors who should be able meet your catering requirements.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

No, sorry. Only alcohol purchased on-site can be consumed on-site. Searches will be carried out at the entrance and any external alcohol found with people on-site will result in the eviction of those involved.

Payments

Are the bars and food outlets cash or card?

We aim to be a mostly cashless festival.

Bars will operate using ‘Drinks Cards’ which will be marked off, de-valuing them with the value of each drink purchased. Your first Drinks Card is included in your ticket price and further cards can be purchased at the Membership Bar. Any outstanding value on your card when you leave can be refunded at the Membership Bar. Food outlets will primarily accept credit/debit cards but may also accept cash.

Parking my bike or car

Is there somewhere to park my bike?

We will provide a ‘bike park’ outside of the perimeter, where you can chain your bike. Please do not chain your bike to the main fencing as it will be removed. The festival organisers cannot take any responsibility for bikes parked at the site.

Where can I park my car?

We recommend that instead of driving to the site, you use public transport. Please see our website ‘where are we?’ for details. There is a very small car park at Admirals Park, but this is intended for park users, please respect our local residents and do not park where it might cause issues.

If you really need to drive, your best option is to use one of the local City Centre car parks which are a short, 10min walk away.

Other Things?

How much are the drinks?

All drinks are priced roughly in line with local pub prices and not inflated like some festivals you might attend. We also sell drinks in pint, half-pint and third pint measures, to permit you to sample more of the great range of beers and ciders on offer. In fact, this is the whole point of the festival; bringing together many beers, ciders and perries under one 'roof', so you can try something 'outside your ken', to find out whether you might like it.

I’ve lost something whilst visiting the festival.

Any items found on-site and handed to us will be held at the Membership Bar until the festival leaves the site on 18th July.

Are soft drinks available?

We offer free soft drinks to anyone, available from the membership bar. Please bring your own glass if possible. We ask you to consider a donation to our Charity Partner who will be serving the soft drinks to you.

Is there anywhere to sit at the Festival?

We are a large outdoor space and you are welcome to bring your own chairs and blankets. We will be providing some chairs and tables, but nowhere near enough for everyone.

Why do I need to buy a glass?

A souvenir glass is included in every ticket price; this trend has grown over many CAMRA festivals. Many people attending like to keep their glass and by including this in the ticket it means that more people can guarantee getting this year’s glass. If you really do not want to keep your glass, we will provide a safe return point which gives an environmentally-friendly disposal solution.

What do I do if I am unwell?

In the first instance please make contact with one of our volunteers. We will have trained first aid assistance on site who can help you get further medical assistance if required.

Why is the drink I want not available?

With over 250 real ales and 50 ciders we cannot predict which will be drunk most; some popular beverages will run out quickly and some will last longer. We suggest you come along earlier in the week if you want to guarantee to try one of our range.

Help us to help you

Here are a few tips to help you and our volunteers have a more enjoyable time:

1. Please only ask your server for drinks that are clearly labelled as available and within sight. If you want a drink from the bar 20m away, please move along and buy it closer to the source.
2. Drinks will be arranged alphabetically by producer from left to right as you look at the bar.
3. Please order using producer name, drink name and quantity required (pint, half, third).
4. We are only human, so please be patient. We are volunteers and giving up our time to allow you to enjoy a fantastic range of beers and ciders. We will try and serve everyone in turn, if we get that wrong we will still get to you!
5. Enjoy yourself and take it easy! If you have any questions, please ask. We are here to help you sample and find out more about real ales, ciders and the Campaign for Real Ale in general. Most of our volunteers love to chat with customers and have lots of knowledge if you are interested.