First ever beer festival at Runnymede

The first ever beer festival to be held at historic Runnymede will take place next weekend.

Three days of fun kick off at noon on Friday when the Mayor of Runnymede, Cllr Linda Gillham, will declare the festival open by drawing off the first pint.

There will be 30 ales and ciders to try from eleven different local breweries, along with a three-day programme of live music provided by local bands.

The festival, organised by the National Trust and CAMRA, will take place in the paddock behind the Magna Carta tea-rooms from Friday to Sunday. It is only yards from the junction with Straight Road, Old Windsor.

A free shuttle bus service is being run by Runnymede Community Transport to and from Egham Train Station throughout the festival, stopping on Station Road nearby.

Parking is available at Riverside car park at Runnymede but the organisers are encouraging people to use public transport, walk or cycle if possible.

National Trust organiser and senior ranger James Smith-Wright said: “We have been working closely with the North Surrey Branch of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) to produce a fantastic range of beers for the festival.

"We’re delighted with the level of support we’ve received so far from local businesses and real ale enthusiasts.”

As well as local beers and ciders, beers from five national breweries will be on sale and soft drinks and other refreshments will be available.

Entry to the beer festival is £3 or £2 for CAMRA members. Beer glasses to drink from will cost £2, which is refundable, and the beer and cider will be on sale at competitive prices.

For further information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede