Real-ale lovers are spoilt in Eastbourne, which hosts not one but two popular beer festivals each year: the long-running autumn Eastbourne Beer Festival at the elegant Winter Garden, and the spring Beer & Cider by the Sea on the seafront. Both pair a huge choice of cask ales and ciders with live music, food and a friendly crowd. Here’s our guide.
Eastbourne’s two beer festivals
Run in partnership with CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) and supported by the council, Eastbourne’s beer festivals are firm favourites on the town’s events calendar. There are two each year: a larger autumn festival held indoors at the Winter Garden, and a spring festival on the seafront that helps usher in the summer season. Both showcase an enormous range of hand-picked real ales, craft beers, ciders and perries kept in top cellar condition, with CAMRA volunteers on hand to help you choose, plus live music, food stalls and plenty of seating. Whichever you catch, they make a brilliant day (or evening) out — and pair perfectly with a wider tour of the town’s best pubs.
The autumn Eastbourne Beer Festival
The town’s biggest beer festival takes place each autumn — usually in October — at the Winter Garden, a Grade II listed venue whose spacious, elegant surroundings and first-class performance facilities make it a wonderful setting. First launched back in 2003, the three-day festival serves up a vast and varied line-up: well over 100 award-winning real ales, ciders and perries (recent years have topped 120, and sometimes 140), plus a selection of craft beers, bottled beers from around the world, wines, gins, soft drinks and food. Most sessions come with a lively line-up of live music, though the opening Thursday is often a quieter, background-music session aimed at real-ale aficionados wanting to sample the widest choice in a relaxed setting. Tickets typically include a free festival glass and a set of tasting notes, and sessions regularly sell out well in advance.
Local tip: if your priority is trying as many different beers as possible, the quieter Thursday session is the connoisseur’s choice; if you want the full festival atmosphere with bands, go for a Friday or Saturday evening.
Beer & Cider by the Sea
Eastbourne’s spring festival, Beer & Cider by the Sea, is a mouth-watering warm-up for summer, held on the seafront — usually in May. It offers more than 100 real ales, craft beers, ciders and perries, alongside Pimm’s, cocktails, wines and gins for those who fancy something different. There are family-friendly daytime sessions as well as evening events across the weekend, with a good choice of food stalls, plenty of seating and, as ever, knowledgeable CAMRA volunteers ready with advice and a warm welcome. Its seafront setting makes it a lovely way to spend a spring afternoon by the coast.
Tickets, sessions and tips
Both festivals are ticketed, with separate daytime and evening sessions, and both have a habit of selling out — so it pays to book ahead rather than relying on tickets on the door. The Winter Garden and the seafront are both central and within easy walking distance of the town centre and railway station, so it’s simple (and sensible) to leave the car at home; see our guide to getting around Eastbourne. As with any annual event, dates, venues and session times can change from year to year, so always check the latest details when planning your visit.
Good to know: festival dates, prices and formats vary year to year, and popular sessions sell out early — book in advance and check the current listings before you go. Please always drink responsibly.
Eastbourne Beer Festival: FAQs
When is the Eastbourne Beer Festival?
Eastbourne’s main beer festival is held each autumn, usually in October, at the Winter Garden. There’s also a spring festival, Beer & Cider by the Sea, on the seafront around May. Exact dates change each year, so check the latest listings.
Where is the Eastbourne Beer Festival held?
The autumn festival takes place at the Winter Garden, a Grade II listed venue on the seafront. The spring Beer & Cider by the Sea festival is held on the seafront too. Both are central and within easy walking distance of the town centre and station.
How many beers are there?
Expect well over 100 real ales, ciders and perries, hand-picked with CAMRA, plus craft beers and, at the autumn festival, bottled beers from around the world. There are wines, gins and soft drinks too, along with food stalls.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
It’s strongly recommended. Both festivals are ticketed with separate daytime and evening sessions, and popular sessions often sell out well ahead. Tickets usually include a festival glass and tasting notes.
More to enjoy: see what’s on in Eastbourne, the town’s best pubs, and the Magnificent Motors show.