24 Feb 2026
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is holding its annual National Members Meeting in St Albans this year, offering visitors the chance to experience lively pubs and clubs hosting festivals, tastings, live talks and music events.
But residents are also invited to enjoy the City of Ale weekend on April 17-19, which includes beer festivals at The Mermaid, The Great Northern, The Boot, The Lower Red Lion and The Portland Arms, tap takeovers and gigs from talented performers including The Maida Vales, The Mighty Quinn and Uptown Funk.
The weekend is being run by the same team who host the annual St Albans Beer and Cider Festival every September.
Chair of the organising committee, Emily Ryans (pictured), said: “We’re so excited to make City of Ale weekend a reality in St Albans. While our team came up with the original idea, it would never have got off the ground without the enthusiastic support of local publicans, who have been great to work with.
“For anyone who enjoys quality beers and ciders, or pub culture in general, the weekend will be an unmissable extravaganza – and as well as appealing to locals we’re expecting to draw visitors from far and wide.
“With at least five separate pub-hosted beer festivals, an array of tap takeovers, opportunities to meet brewers and beer writers, plus various live music events and more, it’ll be a brilliant showcase for what we believe is one of England’s best ale cities.”
For further information see the website at https://stalbanscityofale.org.uk/
