Guildford Beer Festival 2020 cancelled
The organising committee have today announced that this year’s Guildford Beer Festival (GBF) has been cancelled. The event was due to take place at Guildford Cricket Club on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd May 2020.
James Faulkner (Chairman) said:
“As everyone is aware the outbreak of Covid-19 has created a unique and extremely difficult set of circumstances. Taking into consideration the latest advice from the government along with the wellbeing of our staff and all attendees, sadly and with deep regret, the committee concluded cancelling the event was the only option.
“We have extensively explored the feasibility of a temporary postponement. However, this has been made extremely difficult with the lack of certainty on when we may be in a position to safely hold an outdoor event like ours, which requires significant infrastructure and set-up lead times. Previously we have always been able to share the substantial infrastructure costs with the county cricket matches hosted at Guildford Cricket Club. Holding the GBF as a standalone event, possibly with a smaller attendance, is not viable.
“We are extremely conscious of the impact the cancellation will have on our suppliers. Many are small local breweries, who now face extremely challenging times due to Covid-19’s impact on the hospitality sector. We have already seen many of these business respond with innovative approaches to ensure customers can still discover their products. I’d encourage everyone to follow our social media channels and website where we will be sharing how you can continue to support and buy from the local breweries, cider producers and gin distilleries who would have been at Guildford Beer Festival.
“It’s desperately disappointing to have to cancel this year’s GBF. The event is also an important fundraiser for Guildford Cricket Club and the whole club will be impacted by the cancellation. We will hold the 11th Guildford Beer Festival in May or June 2021 and will be working hard to make sure it is twice as good as usual. The date will be announced later this year.”
Tickets sold and refunds
Sales of tickets online at guildfordbeerfestival.co.uk and via the Tourist Information Centre in Guildford High Street have ceased. All persons who have already purchased admission tickets and/or drinks/food tokens will be contacted by email within 30 days. They will be offered:
· A full refund of the money they have paid; or
· The opportunity to carry forward their tickets/tokens to the 2021 GBF in which case they will receive a free pint upon arrival; or
· The opportunity to waive their right to a refund or rollover and as an alternative, make a donation to help meet GBF2020 event cancellation costs and ensuring that the 2021 event takes place
The Organising Committee
Guildford Beer Festival
News from Guildford Beer Festival
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The Beer Festival features around 130 cask ales and craft keg beers sourced from around 25 independent and micro-breweries in Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex and Berkshire. The beer line up is extremely varied, with many different ABVs, colours and different styles of beers (IPAs, best bitters, milds, porters, stouts, blonde ales, strong ales). In addition to the main beer bar, a second bar has a broad range of ciders, wines and gins from local producers along with soft drinks.
The Guildford Beer Festival also features live musical entertainment and food will be available.
Andertons’ music tent
There will be an attractive programme of live music performed on the stage in our marquee, where there is seating inside and outdoors.
The GBF is again working with Andertons Music to assemble a tremendous line up, with some of the best local bands and artists.
