Better than a pub crawl: the 45th Real Ale Festival

With the 45th Real Ale Festival around the corner, there’s a lot to look forward to for both first-timers and seasoned festival attendees at the largest student-run festival in all of Europe, hosting 2,500 people last year. You’ve probably overheard people talking about it, or seen the posters and flyers dotted around campus, Coventry, and Leamington Spa shining big and bright (the Valentine’s Day edition is my personal favourite). But if you’re a fresher like me, you might not quite know what to expect from it.

Since the Real Ale Festival is by students for students, the selection features drinks catered to a younger palette

First things first, the range of drinks showcased is hugely diverse, with over 70 beers and more than 50 ciders, meads and wine – there really is something for everyone. With casks carrying drinks hailing from both overseas and local brewers like Dhillon’s Brewery, based in Coventry, giving you the chance to support local businesses while having a great time.

Since the Real Ale Festival is by students for students, the selection features drinks catered to a younger palette, so if you’re not the biggest beer pundit no need to be alarmed. The infamous turbo purple will be on tap if sophistication isn’t quite your style. Even though the festival is student-run, it is open to all, so feel free to bring friends and family who don’t study at the University of Warwick.

The soundtrack of the festival features a range of bands including Warwick’s own Folk Society performing on Saturday. You can expect a more romantic backtrack to your night on February 14 with special drinks only available on Valentine’s Day to enjoy with your special someone.

If this all sounds enticing to you, tickets for each day can be purchased for £4 at the door (cash or card), or on the Student Union website for the same price with a £5 drink token which you’ll use to get your drinks. Merchandise like pint glasses and snazzy hats will also be available during the festival, alongside hot and cold food including classics like scampi fries to fuel your partying. To sweeten the deal, half of the profits go to charity, with the festival running in aid of Myton Hospices which provides end-of-life care to patients and support to their families.

The Real Ale Festival is a perfect chance to find your new favourite beer and make some memories

As someone who did not have the chance to drink socially too much before university, I was more than slightly hesitant to join the Real Ale Society. Since mustering up the courage to go for it, I’ve made close friends, a new appreciation for pub crawls on a Thursday afternoon, and visited local pubs and bars I don’t think I would have found otherwise. I’ve become an avid member, attending most events and getting to know the exec and regulars at socials who’ve all been incredibly welcoming and friendly. So, if you haven’t gone yet, the festival is a great place to start.

If you’re looking for something to spice up your reading week or a fun night out on campus, the Real Ale Festival is a perfect chance to find your new favourite beer and make some memories.