Answers to common questions asked
Can I bring children to the festival?
Our licensing regulations state that children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult and must be off site by 8pm. On Sunday we have a dedicated family day in which children are welcome to attend with no restrictions. Entertainments for children are also provided on this day.
Look under 21?
If you look under 21 we will ask for ID. We only accept picture driving licences, passports and ID cards with the PASS logo.
When you are challenged you can be supplied with a wristband. If you are challenged again, simply show the wristband.
Can I bring food or drink into the festival?
You are free to bring your own food into the festival, however we do have a range of hot and cold food vendors on site. Sealed and unopened non-alcholic drinks are allowed such as water and canned drinks. Alcohol is not allowed to be brought in, if attempted items will be confiscated at the entrance.
Is there a cash machine on site?
We do not have any portable cash machines for use on site.
Therefore please make sure that you bring enough cash with you but please don't bring fifty pound notes. We will not accept them at any bar. They can only be changed at the entrance and membership stands.
Is there any parking on site?
We do not have any parking available within the festival site. However a number of nearby parking options exist. Please see our Location & Travel page for more information.
Why do you have a split day (sessions) on Saturday?
Reading Beer & Cider festival has become more popular over subsequent years with figures showing Saturday as the most popular day overall. Our site has a fixed capacity limit imposed on us due to licensing and fire safety regulations - this is a legal requirement for which the festival can be fined and/or closed down if the limit is breached. When we reach the site capacity we hit a "one in, one out" situation. In the past this has meant that queues of a few hours have formed whilst we wait for people to leave. This is unfair for people waiting to get in. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to experience the festival sessions were introduced. Want to spend longer at the festival? Why not come on the less busy Friday session, when we are open from 11am to 11pm.
Why is my festival glass included in the entrance price?
Many beer festivals have now dispensed with the refundable festival glass. This is for three reasons:
a) There is a cost involved with providing glasses (Stock, washing, volunteers to administer, etc.)
b) Any glasses stock left over at the end of the festival need to be washed and stored at additional cost.
c) Throwing glasses away into recycling facilities also costs money, local councils charge businesses for waste generated unlike domestic waste which is include in local rates.
c) Throwing glasses away into recycling facilities also costs money, local councils charge businesses for waste generated unlike domestic waste which is include in local rates.
At Reading Beer & Cider Festival the cost of a glass and programme is complimentary with the entrance fee. You are of course welcome to bring your own glass, however this will not result in a lower entrance price.
Is the site suitable for wheelchairs?
Yes, the site is reasonable to navigate and we have people in wheelchairs every year. There are disabled toilets on site.
Is the site suitable for wheelchairs?
Yes, the site is reasonable to navigate and we have people in wheelchairs every year. There are disabled toilets on site.
Do you do group bookings?
Unfortunately this year we have been unable to organise group bookings due to a lack of time and volunteers available.
Last year you ran out of beer, will you be ordering more this year?
We acknowledge that last year beer stocks ran down earlier than planned leaving some people with a diminished range on Saturday evening and Sunday. This year we have planned to order more beer to ensure that a good range will be available into Sunday.
I am in a band can we play at your festival?
Music and entertainments are organised by our entertainments manager. A number of requests come through each year from local groups wishing to play at the festival. If you wish to be considered please click here to reveal e-mail address to contact the entertainments manager.
We are interested in trading at your festival
Trading enquiries should be directed to our concessions manager,
please click here to reveal e-mail address if you wish to discuss trading opportunities.