FAQ

When is the festival?
The dates for the 2013 Great Welsh Beer & Cider Festival are the 6th-8th June.

What are the opening hours?
The festival is open from 11am to 11pm Thursday to Saturday.

Will food be available?
Yes. Food will be available during the duration of the festival. This year the caterers are organised by Motorpoint Arena and will feature locally-sourced produce where possible. The menu is available here.

What is there to drink?
We will have over 160 different real ales varying in style from golden ales to milds and stout. We will also have a range of Czech beer on draught together with a large range of ciders and perries (made from pears)

Why are there no refunds on Festival glasses this year?
Due to the policy of the Welsh Government, offering refunds on glasses would have increased the cost of the festival.

My better half doesn't like beer or cider is there anything else they can drink?
Soft drinks will be available at the food counter (or there is plenty of water in the tap.)

I have never been to a beer festival before. I’ve heard you need to wear a woolly jumper or anorak to get in?
Nope. We’ll let almost anyone in ….provided they pay the entrance fee. And in any case hopefully it will be warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt – (although this being Wales an anorak may be handy)

You mean I have to pay to get in?
Yes. The costs of hiring the hall, equipment, security etc… is well, a lot! If we did not charge an entry fee we would be losing money hand over fist. It is still less than going to a night club and a lot more fun!

I am a CAMRA member - do I have to pay to get in?
Yes, see above, but because you are such nice people we'll give you a few free beer tokens so you can get to the bar straight away! Remember to bring your membership card or you'll miss out.

Are children allowed in the Festival?
Yes, until 20:30 at night. Please note unattended children will be given a cappuccino and a free kitten to play with (joke!)

I’m only young, any discount for me?
As I’m feeling generous and as an added incentive not to stick to ‘laager’ in the local student bar we’ll let Under 26’s get the free tokens too

Do you serve any vegan or vegetarian drinks?
Most of our beers will have been cleared using isinglass finings so are not suitable, however we may have a few beers that do not use them and these will be marked. Ciders and perries are not fined using isinglass and are vegan friendly, apart from the ones made with dead rats (joke!)

Okay, I have to pay but will I have to sell my soul to afford the entrance charge?
Probably not. Entrance to the festival will cost you the princely sum of £7. This will include your glass and programme which gives details of the beers.

Is there any entertainment?
We're looking forward to a strong line-up of local talent as we present live music on Friday and Saturday. Thursday has been left quiet so you'll just have to make your own entertainment. Entertainment this year is sponsored by Budweiser Budvar and the line up is here.

Can I buy tickets in advance?
Only for groups of 10 or more.

Can electronic cigarettes be used in the Arena?
Yes, unlike some pub groups, e-cigs are allowed in the Arena

Can I film a video at the Festival?
Only with the permission of both CAMRA and the Motorpoint Arena. A full risk assesment must be provided before any film crews are allowed on site.
Please contact us via info@gwbcf.org.uk for details

My normal job is boring, can I work at the festival instead?
If you are a CAMRA member you can work the festival but note that all our staff are volunteers and are not here for any financial reward, they just have a passion for real beer and cider (so please be nice to them…)Click here to be taken to the Festival Volunteers area

I’m beginning to think this CAMRA thing is a good lark, how would I join?
Membership to the Campaign for Real Ale is quick and easy, you can join on the web here, or at the festival itself at the membership and information stand (yes, you can then claim your free beer tokens!)