For the three of my loyal readers who haven’t already been breathless with excitement following my previous brief write-ups, here is the definitive post-mortem of the 2026 Beer Con weekend.
Some overall comments, as numerous people have asked me how it all went. This was a really well planned event, the attention to detail was high and although the ticket prices were over £15 each, there was a wide selection of beer, numerous interesting speakers (not that I quite got to hear them speak as I got distracted by the beer) and other entertainment.
I didn’t hear of anyone who was unhappy with the event, but what was notable to me was the positive and upbeat atmosphere across the three days. The only point that might need addressing is the number of toilets, but that’s a far more minor problem than needing to address the beer quality or selection.
Everything felt safe, secure and the volunteers and staff were always friendly and helpful. I’ve mentioned Bailey and Leanne as I remembered their names (and because they didn’t annoy me, although no-one actually did to be fair…), but it was a delight to volunteer here. Volunteers were looked after with beer, food and free tickets to the event, so it was all suitably rewarding.
I very much liked being able to speak to some brewers and it was good to see some familiar publicans and breweries from outside the area on the trade day. Polly’s made a big impression on many people for all the right reasons and the enthusiasm from Ampersand and Pastore all added positively to the event.
I don’t know how the event worked for the organisers in terms of the finances, but I hope that they want to put another one on. It’s a combination of a trade event and a beer festival which all combined to be a celebration of brewing and liquid education. The reaction from the trade customers seemed to be one of respect for the organisation, which I know isn’t always the case for beer festivals that can sometimes feel a little too commercial.
It was also handy that it was near to the White Lion, although it was clumsy of me to get muddled up every night when I accidentally walked the short distance to it, but Oscar is always pleased to see me. Well, something like that.
I was lucky to work with lovely volunteers, most of whom I already knew, and apologies to those I likely slightly bored with my witterings about beer. I tried not to talk about Polish beer too much, even though it’s hard not to talk about some of the best beer in the world. Anyway, let’s not go down that line again.
Perhaps most importantly, I made a mistake in naming my beer of the festival in an earlier post. After a rigorous check of my Untappd account, it was the 4.6 rated Cosmos [Banana, Mango and Coconut] from Rivington Brewing Co. This was a creamy pastry sour with lots of fruit and really quite decadent. This means I’ll forgive Rivington for not sending me replacement cans that they were going to after a couple rather blew up….. A quite remarkable beer and I hadn’t been aware that they made pastry sours.
Anyway, if the event takes place again next year, and I haven’t been fired, I’d be very willing to help again. All very lovely and an enjoyable Easter weekend.