It’s time to raise a glass as the much-missed East Malling Beer and Cider Festival is back.

The festival, which was cancelled in 2020 and 2021, is being organised by volunteers from the Maidstone and Mid-Kent branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.

The one-day celebration of real ale and cider will showcase breweries and producers from across the county, with 70 real ales and 30 ciders available on-site.

There will also be a number of well-known brews from all over the UK, as well as some more unique offerings to introduce visitors to new flavours and breweries.

“We were extremely disappointed not to have run the event in the last two years,” says festival organiser Jeff Tucker. “[We] have been working hard to make sure the festival runs along the lines that made it such a popular event since it returned to the local area in 2010.

“We are always happy to welcome CAMRA members to help with setting up beforehand and on the day.”

As well as choosing from a huge range of real ales and ciders, visitors can also sample food from independent vendors and listen to a programme of live music throughout the day.

The festival will take place in the grounds of NIAB EMR, the world-famous horticultural research station in East Malling.

The NIAB EMR is the UK's largest horticultural research and development organisation, and specialises in fruit and clonally propagated crops.

“We can promise our visitors an excellent selection of real ales and ciders, live music and a range of hot and cold food, all in a picturesque setting,” says Ian Clennett, the chairman of Maidstone and Mid-Kent CAMRA. “Our free shuttle buses prove extremely popular and we look forward to welcoming festival regulars as well as event newcomers.”

The East Malling Beer and Cider Festival takes place at the NIAB EMR on Saturday, September 3 from 11am to 6pm.

Tickets cost £6 and admission is free for card-carrying CAMRA members.

Find out more online here.