Great British Beer Festival
Overview
Date
5–9th August
The Great British Beer Festival is the UK’s flagship beer event, held annually at Olympia London. It features hundreds of real ales, craft beers, ciders, and perries from across the UK and abroad, making it one of the most diverse beer festivals in the world.
Organized by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), the event includes dozens of bars themed by region or beer style. Visitors can sample traditional bitters, golden ales, stouts, IPAs, and international brews. Breweries often send representatives to pour and discuss their offerings.
The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, with long communal tables, live music, food vendors, and pub games. There are also educational tasting sessions and competitions, including the Champion Beer of Britain award.
Tickets include entry, a souvenir glass, and access to all events inside the venue. The festival is popular with both industry professionals and casual beer lovers, and is well-supported by volunteers.
The Great British Beer Festival is a must-visit for anyone passionate about beer, offering an unmatched chance to explore the depth and variety of British brewing.
How to get there
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By Train (Recommended)
**London → Birmingham International
– Direct trains (Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Railway, CrossCountry) from London Euston to Birmingham International.
– Journey takes 1h 5m on the fastest trains, typically around 1h 50m average
Birmingham International station
– 5–10 minute walk to the NEC via covered walkways or “Bridgelink”
Car
Located near Junction 6 on the M42 motorway.
Use postcode B40 1NT to get near the site, then follow on-site signage to your designated car park
NEC offers 16,500 parking spaces, and free shuttle buses operate from the lots to the halls
Coach or Bus
National Express & Megabus run frequent services to Birmingham Airport; from there a short walk or transfer to NEC
**London → Birmingham International
– Direct trains (Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Railway, CrossCountry) from London Euston to Birmingham International.
– Journey takes 1h 5m on the fastest trains, typically around 1h 50m average
Birmingham International station
– 5–10 minute walk to the NEC via covered walkways or “Bridgelink”
Car
Located near Junction 6 on the M42 motorway.
Use postcode B40 1NT to get near the site, then follow on-site signage to your designated car park
NEC offers 16,500 parking spaces, and free shuttle buses operate from the lots to the halls
Coach or Bus
National Express & Megabus run frequent services to Birmingham Airport; from there a short walk or transfer to NEC
Check it out
Website
Price and Tickets
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Ticket Options & Prices
General Admission:
Tuesday–Wednesday: £9.50 per ticket
Thursday–Saturday: £16 per ticket
CAMRA Member Admission:
£6 on all public days (members must present a CAMRA card)
Plus Package: £40
Includes fast-track entry, access to a lounge area, a festival programme, souvenir glass, and £10 in beer tokens
Group Ticket – 5 for the price of 4:
Tuesday–Wednesday: £38
Thursday–Saturday: £64
General Admission:
Tuesday–Wednesday: £9.50 per ticket
Thursday–Saturday: £16 per ticket
CAMRA Member Admission:
£6 on all public days (members must present a CAMRA card)
Plus Package: £40
Includes fast-track entry, access to a lounge area, a festival programme, souvenir glass, and £10 in beer tokens
Group Ticket – 5 for the price of 4:
Tuesday–Wednesday: £38
Thursday–Saturday: £64
Location
Address:
NEC in Birmingham
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