St Helens & Districts CAMRA brings back ‘Festival of Pubs’ for a second year 

PRESS RELEASE 

27 July 2026 

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St Helens & Districts CAMRA brings back ‘Festival of Pubs’ for a second year 

A month‑long celebration of cask ale, community and pub culture this August 

St Helens & Districts CAMRA is delighted to announce the return of the Festival of Pubs, proudly sponsored by SSO Logistics, for its second year. After a hugely successful debut over last year’s August Bank Holiday Weekend, the festival is back – bigger, broader, and bursting with real ale events across the whole branch area. 

This year, CAMRA is expanding the festival beyond St Helens Town Centre to include real ale venues in Billinge, Earlestown, Garswood, Haydock, Newton‑le‑Willows, Prescot, Rainford, Rainhill and Whiston. It’s more than a festival – it’s a celebration of community, cask ale and pub culture across St Helens and the wider districts. 

Throughout August, pubs across the branch will host events leading up to a Big Bang Bank Holiday Weekend finale. Expect the very best in real ale and real cider, with activities happening in all corners of the region. 

Some of the popular events from last year will make a re-appearance including:  

 🎶 Live Music Performances 🗺️ CAMRA’s Legendary Pub Treasure Hunt • 🍺 Meet the Brewer Sessions 🎉 Charity raffle in aid of Willowbrook Hospice • 🧠 Pub Quizzes • 🎉 And much more!  

A brand‑new interactive murder mystery trail will take festival‑goers through real ale venues in Earlestown, Haydock and Newton‑le‑Willows. Maps and clue sheets will be available to download from the St Helens CAMRA website, and participants can complete the trail at any time throughout August. 

Everyone who solves the mystery will be entered into a prize draw to win two tickets to the Retrospective Festival at Sherdley Park on Friday 11 September. 

Festival‑goers will have the chance to enjoy an impressive range of real ales and real ciders from both local and national breweries – perfect for seasoned enthusiasts and the ale‑curious alike.  

Pubs will also be hosting events such as jam nights, tribute artists, charity tombola, cider tasting and much more. 

The much‑loved Pub Treasure Hunt returns for its 5th year, on Sunday 30 August, meeting at The Royal Alfred at 12pm. This isn’t your typical pub crawl – it’s a clue‑cracking adventure full of surprises, puzzles and plenty of fun. Its popularity continues to grow, so get your thinking caps on and your spy glasses ready. 

Special thanks go to SSO Logistics, our main festival sponsor, and to The Turks Head and Cowley Vaults, who are sponsoring the festival programme. Programmes will be available in participating pubs and selected community venues throughout August. Their support helps make this unique community celebration possible. 

The festival is proud to support Willowbrook Hospice, a vital local charity providing compassionate care for terminally ill patients and their families. A prize raffle will take place over the Bank Holiday Weekend, and collection points will be available at pubs throughout the festival. 

A live beer board powered by Real Ale Finder will run throughout August at sthelens.camra.org.uk, giving visitors real‑time updates on what’s pouring and where. 

Ian Pye, St Helens & Districts CAMRA Pubs Officer said; 

“The St Helens Festival of Pubs is a true celebration of our branch’s thriving pub community. This isn’t just about great beer – it’s about bringing people together, supporting local pubs, and creating lasting memories. 

“This year, we’re casting our net wider to include as many real ale pubs across our wider districts as possible. We’ll be promoting events on our social media channels and website as more pubs confirm their plans. 

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Willowbrook Hospice, and we’re grateful to our sponsors – SSO Logistics, The Turks Head and Cowley Vaults – for helping us bring the festival to life.” 

Whether you’re a seasoned ale enthusiast or simply curious to explore, this is your chance to raise a glass, support a worthy cause, and be part of something special. 

For more information and live festival updates, visit: https://sthelens.camra.org.uk/pubfest