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13th to 15th October 2011

The beer festival renowned for offering the world’s largest selection of real ales once again returns to the fantastic grounds of Nottingham Castle. At last year’s festival we had an amazing 848 different cask beers on sale, which beat the previous world record of 698 (set up by us at the 2009 festival) by some distance, and for 2011 we will be trying to set the record even higher.

As well as a massive array of golden ales, fruit beers, stouts, bitters, milds, porters and barley wines we also offer a wide selection of traditional ciders and perries plus an assortment of country wines. The quantity of cider sold last year was second only to the Great British Beer festival and the selection on offer for 2011 will not only be larger but will concentrate more on the smaller, artisanal producers particularly highlighting those from the East Midlands.

Opening times will be:

Thur 13th October: 11.00am to 11.00pm
Fri 14th October: 11.00am to 11.00pm
Sat 15th October: 11.00am to 11.00pm

No Sunday session is planned this year although if there are large stocks of beer remaining we may decide to open for a few hours from 12 noon.

Advance Tickets

It will be possible to pay cash at the gate again this year but the only way to guarantee admission will be to buy an advance ticket, we anticipate that access will be restricted to ticket-holders only at the busier times, particularly Friday evening and much of Saturday. So we are suggesting that tickets be purchased if you want to be sure of getting in.

Tickets can be bought with no booking fees, over the counter only, by visiting the Nottingham Tourism Centre in Smithy Row.

To buy tickets by telephone call 0871 231 0847 but please note calls cost 10p per minute from a standard BT land line, mobiles and other networks may vary, and there will also be a booking fee and transaction charge.

Glass Sizes and Mini-Tokens

For the first time we will give you the option of buying your drinks in thirds as well as half pints as the 2011 commemorative tankard will have both a third and a half pint line on it! To allow for this change a new type of payment system is to be introduced, a new “mini-token” will be half the size of the previous tokens and they will be used in multiples, so for example a third of a lower strength beer might be two mini-tokens and a half pint will cost three, with higher strength drinks proportionately higher. No cash will be taken at the bars to speed up service and, because customers can now buy a third, no tasters will be given.

Admission Package

To speed up entry there will again be a package admission price. The £12.50 admission price will get you entry, a commemorative glass (lined at both a third and a half pint) and ten mini-tokens.

CAMRA members will receive a further five mini-tokens on presentation of a valid membership card and if you prefer to bring your own glass we will give you a further five mini-tokens in lieu of a commemorative tankard (but your glass must be Government stamped and if you want to drink thirds make sure it has the appropriate line on it!).

The new-issue “mini-token” will be half the size of the previous beer tokens and will be used in multiples, so for example a third of a lower strength beer might be two mini-tokens and a half pint will cost three, with higher strength drinks proportionately increased.

Under 18s

To comply with licensing requirement, no person under the age of 18 can be admitted to the festival or enter either of the two beer tents. However under 18s can enter the grounds during normal opening hours, through the public entrance to the castle, but they must leave when the grounds close at 4pm.