Isle of Wight Real Ale Festival

Beer Festival · June

The Isle of Wight Real Ale and Cider Festival is an annual celebration of real ale, craft beer, cider and perry, held in Newport over a weekend in June. The festival is organised by the Isle of Wight CAMRA branch and showcases ales from the island's own breweries alongside guest beers from mainland breweries.

The island has a strong brewing tradition, with several active breweries including Goddards, Island Brewery, and Yates'. The festival typically offers over 100 real ales and 30 ciders, served in a marquee or hall with live music, food stalls, and a sociable atmosphere. Tasting notes guide drinkers through the selection, and CAMRA volunteers provide recommendations.

The festival celebrates the island's food and drink culture beyond beer, with local food producers, cheesemakers, and pie makers among the stalls. The event attracts real ale enthusiasts from the mainland as well as island residents, and the Saturday session is typically the busiest.

The festival contributes to the island's growing reputation as a food and drink destination, alongside the Garlic Festival, the island's vineyards, and the growing number of quality restaurants and food producers.