The Rutland Campaign for Real Ale's 10th Beer Festival is set to take place this week.

Kicking-off on Thursday 22 June and going on until Sunday 25 June, the annual event hosted by Rutland CAMRA is back with a bang this year, and will include a range of locally and nationally popular beers, some top ciders and perrys, local musicians, entertainment and more.

Enjoy a beer or two at the CAMRA Beer Festival this weekend in Oakham. Image credit: CAMRA.

Rutland Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) are a local group of beer and real ale enthusiasts who recognise the hard work of local pubs and host fellow social drinkers at a range of events, from their beer festival to awards ceremonies and more. 

CAMRA itself is a nationwide, independent organisation run by volunteers who promote and champion real ale, cider, and traditional British pubs and clubs. 

It is considered one of the most successful consumer organisations across Europe. Founded by four real ale enthusiasts back in 1971, today they represent beer drinkers and pub-goers across the UK. 

Empingham Cricket Club was recently recognised by CAMRA. Image credit: Nub News.

They are very active throughout Rutland, naming a range of local pubs, clubs and breweries in their Good Beer Guide 2023. Venues on this list include: 

• The Crown Inn, Great Casterton 
• The Grainstore, Oakham 
• The Exeter Arms, Uppingham 
• The Railway, Ketton 
• Empingham Cricket and Social Club 
• The Vaults, Uppingham 
• The Crown Inn, Uppingham 

While great pubs and drinkeries are their top priority, this week, the team will be enjoying a brew or two in a slightly different venue. 

Rutland County Museum will play host to the annual Beer Festival hosted by CAMRA, open to all and serving over 40 cask and keg ales, 10 ciders and perries, and local gin and rum bar. 

Join the Rutland CAMRA Oakham Ale Trail this June 2023. Image credit: Rutland CAMRA.

To mark the weekend, the team have also released their 2023 Oakham Ale Trail information, so you can explore and support the local pubs that are a part of the local community.

Read more about the Ale Trail here.

On top of this, there will be live music, hot and cold food, brewers talks and a light-hearted Sunday dance fest at the event. 

The festival will take place at its traditional home in the County Museum. 

Entry is free to CAMRA members. Find out how to join on their website. Alternatively, non-members will pay £2 and will have the opportunity to enjoy some top local and national brews. 

Keep an eye on our What's On page for other local events.