South East England Wine-Ashford Beer Festival

The Ashford Beer Festival is an annual 3 day event. The festival is based around 3 key components of fun: Real Ale, Music and Rugby. The Festival is held at the Ashford Rugby Club in Ashford, Kent. This year, the Festival will be held over the weekend of 5th to 7th September. The Festival is open to club members, local residents and beer, rugby and music lovers from Kent and beyond.

Real Ales

We have a total of 40 Real Ales all served direct from the cask. These include beers from around the regions of the UK that are rarely seen in Kent. Previous favourites include Timothy Taylor's Landlord, from Yorkshire. The range includes light summer bitters of 3.5% abv, to dark heavy ales in excess of 6% abv. Sadly, many modern rugby players - typically those youngsters under 45 - don't appreciate the benefits of cask conditioned ales and ciders. For them, mass produced lagers and cider are available from the club bar. All tastes are catered for.

Real Cider

As well as Real Ale we also stock real ciders. The most popular come from the Biddenden Vineyard, located on the edge of the Weald of Kent.

Music

The festival has developed an eclectic mix of live music. This has included Jazz, Folk and Rock. Appearances have included local bands and ensembles. Popular acts have included Electric River and teachers from Norton Knatchbull school. The Festival is always on the lookout for new talent. If you're interested in appearing contact Chris Akers.

Rugby

The rugby is designed to cater for all tastes and levels. From 1st team mens, to ladies, to veterans to non-contact tag. Participation is invited from players and non-players alike.