The Annual Choko Beer festival is now in its 15th year. A firm favourite in the Cholsey village calendar and raising over £130,000 for African Community Projects – most recently through Go-Mad in Tanzania but also previously with World Vision – as well as supporting numerous local organisations and the Local School PTA. An amazing achievement made possible by the fantastic support and warm hearts of our guests and volunteers.
The CHOKO Beer Festival offers a great selection of over 30 ales and ciders, live music, and all day food and refreshments.
Great range of real ales, ciders and lagers at the festival, all chosen by our Choko specialists along with Cholsey’s own Amwell Springs Brewery Co and has previously featured ales from such breweries and cider makers as Loose Cannon, Loddon, Love Beer Brewery, West Berkshire Brewery, White Horse, Rebellion, Tutts Clump, Milwhites and Thatchers.
All ales and ciders are available to try as pint, half-pint and taster-tray measures. The taster-tray format is one of our most popular choices and allows our visitors to sample 5 different drinks for the same value as a single pint.
Also available is a Pimms, Gin and Prosecco Bar and a wide selection of soft and hot drink choices.
Choko is well known for it's fantastic line-up of music. This year we welcome back Selina and The Howlin Dogs as our headline act - also sets from The Soul Seniors, The MFU, The Dukes, Strange New World, plus live DJ sets from our very own Dan Mayer.
The Choko Beer Festival is a great day out for all the family, with a dedicated-team and numerous activities and games available to keep the children entertained.
As a fundraising event we rely on the generous support of our sponsors to ensure as much money as possible goes to the organisations we assist.
We open at noon and close at about 11pm
We are limited to a maximum number of people in the venue and the festival can get very busy especially if the weather is fine so to avoid disappointment we would always recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Tickets are £5 in advance or £7.50 on the day.
Every ticket holder receives entry to the festival, a commemorative pint cup for sampling the ales and ciders and a copy of our tasting notes.
No. In previous years we've run out of Cask Beer by about 9pm, at which point we switch to good quality bottled ales, but we are blessed to be supported by Cholsey's very own Amwell Springs Brewery who will help ensure stocks are well maintained.
We provide some seating, but it's a good idea to bring a blanket, or a camping chair. It can get cold in the evening, so bring something warm to wrap up in.
We've actually been very lucky with the weather over the years, should it rain we have a large marquee, and a number of other shelters, so we are well equipped to ensure you have a great day come rain or shine.
As in previous years we'll have a BBQ selling good quality local burgers and sausages, as well as veggie burgers, throughout the day. There will also be a home-cooked selection of meals throughout the evening too. We have a range of sandwiches, rolls, cakes and snacks and a selection of soft drinks all day.
We are a family oriented event, and children are welcome. Under 18's get in free when accompanied with a responsible adult.
Sorry, due to the size of the venue, and the nature of the event only guide dogs are allowed.
We are fortunate to be able to make use the Whitehead Meadow which has provided ample parking for the festival in previous years. The meadow is a couple of minutes walk from the Laurence Hall and parking there ensures minimal disruption to residents of Church Road.
We'd love to hear from you. Visit the contact page for details.
We'd love to hear from you. Visit the contact page for details.
Visit the contact page for details.
If you have any questions send us an email or give us a call and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
07841 501510