Community beer festival returns to Hemel this summer, tickets on sale now

Hemel Old Town Beer Festival will return for a fourth year at St. Mary’s Church in Hemel’s historic Old Town, it has been announced.

Hosted across the weekend of July 17-19th, the not-for-profit community event boasts more than thirty world class beers, along with cider and prosecco.

Live music and street food are procured by Hemel Old Town Market, and the event's popular 'Family Day' returns on the Sunday, with under-18s admitted free-of-charge.

Guest speakers and special tasting sessions are planned for the weekend, as well as the launch of the festival’s first ever ‘Fizz Bar’, pouring prosecco by the glass for those with a ‘soft spot for sparkling’.

Proceeds from the event are split between the two not-for-profit organisers, Mid-Chilterns CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and St. Mary’s Church, meaning any surplus will go towards protecting pubs and the historic interior of the Old Town church.

Tickets for the festival are on sale now at www.hemeloldtownbeerfestival.co.uk

Jared Ward, beer sommelier and festival organiser says: "We’re so excited to unveil Hemel Old Town Beer Festival 2026, we’re counting the days until we can raise glasses with fellow townspeople.

There’s a real appetite for quality drinks in Hemel. We’re thrilled to offer cherished local producers alongside brewing stars from the national stage. The event will be a treasure trove for those with a curious palate, and a thirst for good times!”

Rev. John Williams of St. Mary's Church added: "It is brilliant to see the festival bring in so many new local faces. As a not-for-profit event, our main goals are to champion quality beer and the historic Old Town of Hemel Hempstead. Protecting public houses is CAMRA's guiding principle and protecting the church and its beneficiary charities is in the interest of Dacorum as a whole.

St. Mary's Church is Grade-I listed and is therefore Hemel's oldest building. Hospitality and community have flowed through the walls since its opening in 1140.

Last year saw records for both festival attendees and pints swigged, we hope to keep this momentum, maximising our community contribution. Building on 2025, we have more keg beer and fizz planned, and we're bringing back Family Day as well as cheap tickets, held at last year’s price of just £5.

Community is at the heart of what we do, last year we raised thousands of pounds for the church and hundreds for our affiliate local causes such as the Langa Township Pre-School Trust."

Hemel Old Town Beer Festival will open at midday and close at 22:30 on Friday and Saturday (over-18s only), opening at midday on the Sunday and closing at 6pm (all ages welcome).

Tickets for the Hemel Old Town Beer Festival are on sale now starting at just £5. Advance tickets and further information are available at www.hemeloldtownbeerfestival.co.uk