Ilfracombe Beer Fest will return this May even bigger and better

Ilfracombe Beer Fest is back this May Spring Bank Holiday after a successful debut last that raised £10,000 for charity.

This year the event for real ale and cider aficionados will once again take place on the green in front of Ilfracombe’s Landmark Theatre, running from Friday, May 24 to Monday, May 27.

Ilfracombe Beer Fest is run by Ilfracombe Round Table and has a brand new headline sponsor for this year, after teaming up with local holiday park North Devon Resort and its Monkey Puzzle restaurant and events venue.

The festival will once again combine the winning formula of free entry, dozens of real ales and ciders plus tasty street food and live music throughout the weekend, under the canvas tipis pitched by World Inspired Tents on the green.

Its debut year in 2023 saw a perfect storm of great weather and thirsty punters almost drain the beer barrels dry on the first day, with fresh supplies swiftly organised.

Above: Don’t miss Ilfracombe Beer Fest this May Spring Bank Holiday. Credit: Ilfracombe Round Table

Lead organiser Matt Child from Ilfracombe Round Table said: “After the first day, we quickly realised we’d need much more beer and cider.

“The rest of the weekend was just as busy, and we were truly blown away by the positive feedback we got. We’re delighted to have North Devon Resort and Monkey Puzzle as our headline sponsors this year, because their support means we can take the event to the next level.”

Cyan Silver, events manager at the Ilfracombe-based holiday park, said they were proud to be partnering with Beer Fest: “This event embodies everything that makes our community in Ilfracombe so special - bringing people together with live music, great food, and of course, fantastic beer.

“Last year, the Ilfracombe Beer Fest raised an incredible £10,000 for charity and this year, in collaboration with the Ilfracombe Round Table, we are determined to surpass that amount, ensuring even more worthy causes in our area can benefit.”

Last year’s chosen charity was Families in Grief and while no announcement has been made yet, all money raised at the Beer Fest will go to local charities or good causes.

The event is still keen to get more local companies on board as sponsors.

Above: The evening session under canvas at Ilfracombe Beer Fest in 2023. Credit: Ilfracombe Round Table

Matt added: “Local business support is the bedrock of the event and the best way to do that is sponsor a barrel, which gets your company name on the keg, in our programme, on our sponsors’ board and on social media. You also get four free pints of your sponsored beer!

“So please get in touch and show your support. Every pound we raise will benefit local good causes. We were thrilled to make a donation of £10,000 to Families in Grief on the back of last year’s event, and humbled to learn how that funding has supported young people through their toughest times.

“With your support, we can make a similar difference to the causes which will benefit this year.”

Ilfracombe Beer Fest takes place on The Landmark green from Friday, May 24 to Monday, May 27. To learn more or if you would like to sponsor a barrel, call Matt on 07825 366649.