The Rutland Campaign for Real Ale's 11th Beer Festival is set to take place in June.

The annual event, hosted by Rutland CAMRA, is back this June after an incredibly successful 10th festival last summer, in which the local volunteer group welcomed members of the public to Rutland County Museum for a weekend of ale, cider, music and food provided by Greetham's The Plough Inn.

The festival, which aims to showcase local beers, ales, ciders and brewers, welcomes local brewers and experts who sell a range of locally and nationally popular beers, some top ciders and perrys, gin and much more.

The event also hosts local musicians and entertainment, and provides a great networking opportunity for Rutland-based pubs and venues.

Enjoy a beer or two at the CAMRA Beer Festival in Oakham in June. 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. 

The Wheatsheaf was recently shortlisted for the Autumn Pub of the Season 2023. Image credit: Nub News.

They also release a nationwide Good Beer Guide every year, and 2023 was no exception, highlighting some top local venues, including: 

• 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, one weekend every year, the team will be enjoying a brew or two in a slightly different venue. 

Last year's festival saw blue skies and top beers hit Rutland County Museum. Image credit: Nub News.

Rutland County Museum plays 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. 

Last year, as the event celebrated its 10th anniversary, the team also released the Oakham Ale Trail: a map of Oakham-based pubs that the team felt attendees should visit during the weekend of the festival. This was another step in their initiative to highlight and support local pubs.

This June 21 - 23, the festival will take place at its traditional home in the County Museum. 

Find out more about CAMRA, the beer festive, and how to join the volunteer beer group on their website.

Alternatively, keep an eye on the Oakham Nub News What's On page for other local events coming up this year.