The UK is brimming with an eclectic mix of drinks festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from craft beer to gin, whisky, wine, and more. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just love a good tipple, these events offer a fantastic opportunity to explore new flavours, meet like-minded enthusiasts, and simply enjoy a drink or two in great company.
We all want to try more drinks, but few of us want to spend full price on a big bottle only to find out we’re not that keen. Samples are the solution, and at these festivals, you never know what you’re going to find. Dive in to discover the best UK drinks festivals happening in 2024!
Drinks Festivals in February 2024
Great British Beer Festival Winter 2024 - Burton (15th-17th February 2024)
Warm up with a selection of the UK’s finest winter ales, porters, and stouts. This cosy festival is the perfect escape from the January chill, offering a wide range of hearty brews to sample.
Address: Burton Town Hall, King Edward Place, Burton upon Trent, DE14 2EB
Website: https://winter.gbbf.org.uk/
Drinks Festivals in March 2024
The Bath & West Food & Drink Festival 2024 (23rd -24th March 2024)
If you’re local to Somerset then this is a great day out. All taking place at The Showground, there will be a bierkeller-style area, expert talks, incredible food and drink pairings, a Kids Zone and best of all, The British Cheese Awards! The cheeses are judged on the 22nd, and then you can try the winners the very next day.
Address: The Showground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN
Website: https://www.bathandwestshowground.com/events/the-bath-west-food-drink-festival-2024
Drinks Festivals in April 2024
Gin & Rum Festival Birmingham (5th-6th April 2024)
One of the UK’s largest gin and rum festivals hits Birmingham, featuring over 120 bottles, live music, DJ and expert talks. Explore a diverse range of flavours and find your new favourite in the legendary Edgbaston Cricket Ground.
Address: Edgbaston Cricket Ground
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gin-rum-festival-birmingham-2024-tickets-619190775277
The London Coffee Festival (11th-14th April 2024)
Dive into the vibrant world of coffee with this festival featuring tastings, latte art competitions, workshops, and live music. A dynamic event for coffee aficionados and casual drinkers alike.
Address: Old Truman Brewery, Brick Ln, London E1 6QL
Website: www.londoncoffeefestival.com
Cardiff Gin & Rum Festival (20th April 2024)
Explore a delightful selection of gins and rums at this charming but lively festival in Cardiff. With tastings, mixology workshops, and live music, it’s a fun and informative way to spend a day in the Welsh capital.
Address: The Great Hall, Cardiff
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gin-rum-festival-cardiff-2024-tickets-469871507327
Bristol Gin & Rum Festival (27th April 2024)
Celebrate the world of gin and rum at this vibrant festival in Bristol. With tastings, masterclasses, live music and local food, it’s a lively and educational event for spirit lovers of all levels.
Address: City Hall, Bristol
Website: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bristol/City-Hall-Bristol/Gin--Rum-Festival-Bristol-2024/36746063/
Drinks Festivals in May 2024
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (1st-6th May 2024)
One of the world’s biggest whisky festivals, this event takes place across the Speyside region, home to over 50 distilleries. Enjoy tastings, tours, and whisky-paired dinners in the heart of Scotland’s whisky country.
Address: Various locations across Speyside, Scotland
Website: www.spiritofspeyside.com
Midlands Whisky Festival (10th May 2024)
Enjoy a wide selection of whiskies from around the globe, with tastings led by whisky experts. Perfect for both seasoned whisky drinkers and those looking to explore this complex spirit. Over 300 whiskies and the opportunity to sample some £500 gems!
Address: The Studio, 7 Cannon St, Birmingham, B2 5EP
Website: https://www.whiskyfest.co.uk/
The Cambridge Beer Festival (20th-25th May 2024)
As one of the UK’s oldest beer festivals, Cambridge Beer Festival offers a wide array of real ales, ciders, and perries, all served alongside traditional British food like cheese, pies, and pork scratchings.
Address: Jesus Green, Cambridge CB4 1HA
Website: www.cambridgebeerfestival.com
London Wine Fair (20th-22nd May 2024)
A must-attend event for wine enthusiasts, the London Wine Fair offers access to thousands of wines from over 30 countries. With tastings, seminars, and industry insights, it’s a fantastic event for discovering new wines.
Address: Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX
Website: www.londonwinefair.com
FyneFest - Argyll (31st May- 2nd June 2024)
A unique festival set in the stunning Scottish Highlands, FyneFest combines craft beer, local food, and live music. It’s a family-friendly event with a relaxed, community vibe, celebrating the best of Scottish brewing.
Address: Fyne Ales Brewery, Achadunan, Cairndow PA26 8BJ
Website: www.fynefest.com
Drinks Festivals in June 2024
The Craft Beer Expo 2024 - Liverpool (6th-8th June 2024)
This annual event is known for its lively atmosphere, featuring over 40 breweries offering a diverse selection of craft beers, real cider, organic wine, and even boozy ice cream. Food lovers can look forward to vendors like Fatback Smash Burgers, Antojitos Tacos, and Dough Bros Pizza. The event also includes live music from Matsuri DJs, promising a vibrant festival vibe.
Address: Black Lodge Brewery, Baltic Triangle, Liverpool
Website: https://www.craftbeerexpo.co.uk/
Bristol Craft Beer Festival (7th-8th June 2024)
Bristol’s lively craft beer festival brings together local and international brewers for a weekend of excellent beer, food, and live music. A great way to experience the city’s vibrant and legendary beer scene.
Address: Lloyds Amphitheatre, Explore Ln, Bristol BS1 5LL
Website: www.bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk
The Gin To My Tonic Festival (22nd June 2024)
Newcastle’s gin scene shines at this festival featuring a wide selection of gins, including local favourites and international classics. But that’s not all, you’ll be able to meet a wide variety of craft distillers first hand, hear their backstories, botanical make up, distillation techniques along with all the special things that make them unique. Perfect for gin lovers looking for something new.
Address: The Boiler Shop, 20 South St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3PE
Website: https://thegintomytonic.com/festivals/
Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival (21st-23rd June 2024)
A celebration of culinary delights and drinks, this festival offers a fantastic selection of wines, beers, spirits, and food from around the world. Live demos from top chefs and experts make this a must-visit event.
Address: Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW
Website: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com
Manchester Rum Festival (22nd June 2024)
Explore the world of rum at Manchester’s premier rum event. Sample a variety of rums from around the globe, with tastings, masterclasses, and the chance to meet distillers.
Address: Viadux, Albion St, Manchester M1 5NZ
Website: www.manchesterrumfestival.com
Drinks Festivals in July 2024
Imbibe Live - London (1st-2nd July 2024)
Imbibe Live is a leading event for drinks professionals, offering tastings, seminars, and networking opportunities. From spirits to soft drinks, this event covers the full spectrum of the drinks industry.
Address: Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX
Website: https://live.imbibe.com/
Ealing Beer Festival (10th-13th July 2024)
One of London’s largest beer festivals, featuring hundreds of real ales, ciders, and perries. Set in the picturesque Walpole Park, this festival is perfect for beer lovers looking for a relaxed outdoor event.
Address: Walpole Park, Mattock Ln, London W5 5EQ
Website: www.ealingbeerfestival.co.uk
Liverpool Craft Beer Expo (11th-13th July 2024)
A vibrant celebration of craft beer in Liverpool, featuring breweries from across the UK and beyond. Expect innovative brews, street food, and a lively atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Address: The Baltic Triangle, Liverpool L1 0BS
Website: www.liverpoolcraftbeerexpo.com
Hyper Sake Street- London (19th-21st July 2024)
Discover the nuanced world of sake at this unique festival. Enjoy tastings, pairings, and workshops that delve into the intricacies of this Japanese rice wine, offering something for both beginners and aficionados.
Address: Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX
Website: https://hyperjapan.co.uk/festival/exhibitor/sake-street-2024/
Drinks Festivals in August 2024
London Craft Beer Festival (9th-10th August 2024)
Celebrate the best of craft brewing with over 100 breweries showcasing their finest beers. With live music, street food, and plenty of pints, it’s a beer lover’s paradise. There’ll be delicious dishes from top London restaurants like 10 Greek Street, Bone Daddies & Tendril too. The best thing? All the beer is included in your ticket price.
Address: Tobacco Dock, Wapping Ln, London E1W 2SF
Website: www.londoncraftbeerfestival.co.uk
Whisky Fringe – Edinburgh (9th-11th August 2024)
In its 22nd year, the Whisky Fringe has now added a brand-new American zone, an Ardbeg takeover, a Highball Hut and a Two Glass Masterclass. These join an already stacked offering including a full exploration and education into exceptional whisky. It’s a well known event in the whisky community because it’s created by and for enthusiasts.
Address: Mansfield Traquair, Edinburgh
Website: https://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/whisky-fringe-festival/
East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival– Bury St Edmunds (21st-26th August 2024)
In its 32nd year, 250 real ales, 40 ciders and countless local food stalls fill out the beautiful St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Suffolk for a celebration of beer and cider. Sip on local produce in front of the full entertainment programme in divine surroundings.
Address: St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Angel Hill, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1LS
Website: https://burystedmundsbeerfestival.com
Drinks Festivals in September 2024
Leeds International Beer Festival (5th-8th September 2024)
Celebrate craft beer from around the world at this super popular festival. With live music, street food, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great way to enjoy some of the best beers on the planet. Check out their beautiful posters too.
Address: Kirkstall Abbey
Website: www.leedsbeer.com
The Whisky Show- London (6th-8th September 2024)
Partnered with The Whisky Exchange and a dream come true for whisky connoisseurs, this show features a collection of rare and vintage whiskies. Taste some of the finest and most exclusive drams in the world while learning from industry experts. The UK’s most popular whisky tasting for a reason.
Address: Old Billingsgate, 1 Old Billingsgate Walk, London, EC3R 6DX
Website: https://whiskyshow.com/
The Surrey Gin Fest (7th September 2024)
This is the UK’s biggest celebration of all things gin, set amongst the glamorous backdrop of Loseley Park. Artisan food, great live music and premium craft gins in the sun from 30 wildly different bars. A big gin bash like no other.
Address: Loseley Park, Guildford, GU3 1HS
Website: https://www.ginfestco.com/
The Hebridean Whisky Festival (9th- 14th September 2024)
This is a travelling festival over five days that celebrates and stops off at the Hebridean Whisky Trail. Island-hopping its way through Jura, North Uist, Benbecula, Isle of Harris, Talisker and Raasay, the big festival finale on the 14th will see all members of the trail come together at Toabhaig. Expect masterclasses, live music, delicious food and incredible vistas along the way.
Address: Various Hebridean Distileries
Website: https://hebrideanwhisky.com/festival/
York Food & Drink Festival (20th-29th September 2024)
A ten-day celebration of food and drink in the historic city of York. With a wide range of events, from tastings to workshops, this festival offers something for everyone, including craft beer, wine, and gin.
Address: Mainly Parliament Street, but also various locations across York
Website: www.yorkfoodfestival.com
Drinks Festivals in October 2024
London Cocktail Week (3rd-13th October 2024)
London Cocktail Week prides itself on a schedule of events including parties, tastings, lunches, dinners, national and international takeovers and masterclasses led by world-leading, award-winning bartenders. The full timetable of exciting events will be announced in September.
Address: Various locations across London
Website: https://londoncocktailweek.com/events/
Edinburgh Whisky Festival (5th October 2024)
A must-visit for whisky lovers, this festival showcases the best of Scotland’s whisky distilleries. With tastings, workshops, and expert talks, it’s a deep dive into Scotland’s favourite spirit. Heritage, Wellness and the Whisky itself are the three themes this year after a sold out 2023 festival. You can even see a whisky cask being assembled which is a rare sight.
Address: Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Murrayfield, Roseburn Street, Edinburgh, EH12 5PJ
Website: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/events/edinburghs-whisky-festival-2024-p2950371
Midlands Whisky Festival (5th-6th October 2024)
Enjoy a wide selection of whiskies from around the globe, with tastings led by whisky experts. Perfect for both seasoned whisky drinkers and those looking to explore this complex spirit. Over 300 whiskies and the opportunity to sample some £500 gems!
Address: The Studio, 7 Cannon St, Birmingham, B2 5EP
Website: https://www.whiskyfest.co.uk/
RumFest (12th-13th October 2024)
This is officially the world’s longest-running rum festival, and in 2024 it returns to the ILEC Conference Centre in Earls Court. Over the course of two days, hundreds of rums are available to test and try, cocktail masterclasses are there to dazzle and live music and food is all in accompaniment.
Address: ILEC Conference Centre, 47 Lillie Rd, London SW6 1UD
Website: https://rumfest.co.uk
Oktoberfest - London (17th-19th October 2024 / 25th-26th October 2024)
Experience a slice of Bavaria in London with this large-scale Oktoberfest celebration. Featuring traditional German beers, food, and live oompah bands, it’s a festive way to enjoy the autumn season. Of course, there are more than one Oktoberfest bashes in the capital, so if you’re looking for this specifically, make sure to check your nearest!
Address: St Paul’s Green London W6 9HW / Walpole Park, Mattock Ln, London W5 5EQ
Website: https://london-oktoberfest.co.uk/
Liverpool Gin & Rum Festival (26th October 2024)
Head down to the crypt for this celebration of gin and rum. Enjoy a wide selection of gins and rums from around the world at this really popular festival. With live entertainment, food stalls, and plenty of tastings, it’s a lively day out for spirit enthusiasts… and you might get more spirits than you bargained for down there.
Address: Lutyens Crypt Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Website: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Liverpool/Lutyens-Crypt-Liverpool-Metropolitan-Cathedral/Gin--Rum-Festival-Liverpool-2024/36746374/
Drinks Festivals in November 2024
Leeds Whisky Festival - (2nd November 2024)
This festival attracts whisky fans from across the UK, providing a generous opportunity to taste a massive range of whiskies and learn the story behind them. Upgraded to The Royal Armouries, it’s now bigger than ever with more on offer than ever before.
Address: Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive Leeds LS10 1LT
Website https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leeds-whisky-festival-2024-tickets-865422842017
Glasgow Whisky Festival - (9th November 2024)
This festival showcases the best whiskies from across Scotland, offering tastings, masterclasses, and opportunities to meet the distillers. A must for whisky enthusiasts.
Address: Radisson Blu Hotel, 301 Argyle St, Glasgow G2 8DL
Website: https://glasgowswhiskyfestival.com/2020-2/
CAMRA Bristol Beer & Cider Festival (14th-17th November 2024))
Celebrate the West Country’s favourite tipple at the Bristol Cider Festival – now with beer too! With dozens of ciders and beers to try, live folk music, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a perfect weekend for cider enthusiasts.
Address: City Hall, College Green, Bristol
Website: http://www.camrabristol.org.uk
Gin & Rum Festival – Newcastle (16th November 2024)
The Gin & Rum Festival returns following its immensely popular first visit to Newcastle Cathedral in 2023. Discover new favourites with samples from hand-picked guest distillers, treat yourself at themed gin and rum bars, and enjoy music from award-winning DJs and live entertainment. You will be spoilt for choice with over 120 spirits from around the world and a vast range of flavoured products, many of which are exclusive to the event. If gin and rum isn’t for you, you can also choose from seasonal cocktails, authentic sipping tequilas, beer, and fizz!
Address: Newcastle Cathedral, St Nicholas Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1PF, United Kingdom, Newcastle, Tyne & Wear NE1 1PF
Website: https://newcastlecathedral.org.uk/event/gin-rum-festival-newcastle-2024/
English Whisky Festival (23rd November 2024)
Established in 2020, the English Whisky Festival is now its 3rd year, celebrating the flourishing English side to whisky. Single malts, grain whiskies and plenty of innovative creation await you, whether you’re a connoisseur or a total newbie.
Address: The Bond, Digbeth, Birmingham
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/english-whisky-festival-2024-tickets-794251496607
Cheltenham Christmas Wine Festival (25th November 2024)
An exciting evening in a beautiful location, Tivoli Wines presents 150 still and sparkling wines from both the New and Old World. It’s a great place to sample all kinds of wines you’ve been curious about, from Champagne and English Sparkling to Burgundy and Bordeaux.
Address: Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham
Website: https://www.tivoliwines.co.uk/the-christmas-wine-festival/
Drinks Festivals in December 2024
The Gin To My Tonic Gin, Rum & Vodka Festival - Chester (7th December 2024)
Another event from ‘The Gin To My Tonic’(check for your nearest one), this is a coming together of craft spirit extraordinaries with one of the best stocked sampling rooms of any festival. There may already be three spirits in the event name, but you can also expect tequila, cocktails, Prosecco and even beer… as well as live music and entertainment. A stacked day indeed.
Address: Chester Town Hall, Chester
Website: https://thegintomytonic.com/event/chester-gin-festival/
The UK’s drinks festivals offer something for every taste. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or just looking for a fun day out, these events are the perfect opportunity to explore new flavours and meet fellow drinks enthusiasts. Of course we can’t feature every single event here, so make sure to check local events out. Also, some food and drink festivals span many months, like The Great British Food Festival and Foodies. They’re not drinks exclusive of course, but if you sample your heart out, you’ll need to line your stomach!
