Celtic Beer Festival at St Austell Brewery, 2016

Deep beneath St Austell Brewery, its historic cellars were transformed for the 18th annual Celtic Beer Festival on Saturday 26 November 2016.

The festival brought together almost 200 ales, stouts and lagers, including St Austell favourites such as Tribute, Proper Job and korev. Live bands performed throughout the day and into the evening, while the brewery said that all profits would support its charitable work across the South West.

Beer and live music in the brewery cellars

The Celtic Beer Festival offered the chance to try familiar favourites alongside guest beers, limited editions and rather more adventurous brews, all within the atmospheric surroundings of the brewery’s Victorian cellars.

A long tradition of Cornish brewing

St Austell Brewery traces its story back to 1851, when Walter Hicks began working as a wine merchant and maltster. He later started brewing at the Seven Stars Inn in St Austell, before the business moved to its present Trevarthian Road site in 1893.

The Victorian brewhouse remains at the heart of the working brewery, making it an especially atmospheric setting for a Cornish beer festival.

For a broader look at local breweries, pubs and places to enjoy a pint, read our guide to all things beer in Cornwall.

This article was originally published in November 2016 and records the 18th Celtic Beer Festival, held on 26 November 2016. Visit the brewery’s website for current events and visitor information.