An annual beer and cider festival is returning to Sheffield’s Student Union this weekend, bringing a range of entertainment to the venue over three days.
Running from Friday May 1 to Sunday May 3, visitors will have access to a variety of real ales, craft beers, cider and pilsners as well as food stalls and live music.
Oliver Stanton, who is working at the festival, said preparations are well underway for what is expected to be a busy weekend, he said: “There is going to be a range of different drinks,
“We served stouts last year so that could be the case again.
“Personally, I am going to be volunteering behind the bar on Sunday afternoon, which I am so excited for. At the same time, Soul Jam and a DJ are coming to the outdoor garden, which will be great as I get to listen to some good music.”
Soul Jam, a party that hosts events across the UK, will also be at the festival with DJ Lionel Vinyl, where you can listen to their music for free.
The festival will be open to the public each day from 2pm-11pm and families with children are permitted to attend until 8pm.
There will be over 150 different beers and ciders and organizers are planning a prize draw. In this giveaway, you could win a bar tab, food vouchers, festival glasses and reserved seating.
Entry is free and attendance is likely to be high after a strong turnout at last year’s event.
Mr Stanton said that staff are preparing for a similar demand: “It could be quite stressful as last year was busy from start to finish and I wouldn’t expect anything different from this year.
“We will be fine though as the bar staff will communicate.”
Last year’s festival included a range of fruit-flavoured ciders, including passion fruit, rhubarb and strawberry and cream varieties. This year’s festival will offer similar options as well as more traditional drinks.
Mr Stanton said: “Personally, my favourite beer is an ale from the Abbeydale Brewery, and I am hoping to try a few more again this year.”
The drinks come from over 65 of the world’s best breweries and there will also be a pop-up gin and cocktail bar.
You can visit their website for more info: https://su.sheffield.ac.uk/events/id/14292-beer-cider-festival-2026/16023