FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: WHY IS THE FESTIVAL CASHLESS?

A: It is becoming increasingly expensive and bureaucratic to acquire cash for events and there are now few banks available where cash can be obtained from and deposited at. There is also no facility to safely secure cash at our festival whilst we are open and we also have no access to overnight secure storage. For this reason, we have decided that our preference is to only accept card payments at our festivals. This applies to festival entry, merchandise sales, and any refunds.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT FULLY USE MY BEER TOKENS?

A: Any remaining value on your beer tokens can be refunded( minimum value £1) at the Membership stand, although many people like to donate the remaining value to our Charity Partner.

Q: HOW MUCH ARE THE DRINKS?

A: All drinks are priced roughly in line with local pub prices, while taking into account the cost of purchasing the beer and cider, and the costs associated with running the festival. We also sell drinks in pint, half pint and third pint measures, to allow you the opportunity of trying out the range of beers and ciders on offer.

Q: CAN I BUY A FESTIVAL BEER GLASS THIS YEAR? 

A: The South Woodham Ferrers Beer Festival glass is £2.00, your cost of admission includes this glass, this is not however refundable.

Q: CAN I BRING MY OWN GLASS INSTEAD? 

A: Yes, you may bring your own glass to the festival. However, this must include CE markings, for a pint, half pint and/or third of a pint, for us to accept them.

Q: DO I NEED TO PAY FOR ADMISSION IF I AM NOT DRINKING ALCOHOL?

A: All customers are required to pay for a ticket covering a souvenir glass, a £10 beer token, and for non CAMRA members, a £2 admission charge. If you do not use all or any of your beer token(s), a refund can be obtained at our Membership Bar.

Q: WILLTHERE BE ANYTHING SUITABLE FOR ME TO DRINK IF I AM VEGAN OR GLUTEN INTOLERANT?

A: There will be gluten friendly beer and vegan beer on the beer list for you to enjoy; please speak to one of our volunteers for more information on gluten free or vegan beer or any allergies.

Q: WILL ALL THE BEERS AND CIDERS BE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL?

A: As with all beer festivals, some beers and ciders will prove to be more popular than others! We will have everything available from the opening of the festival, please ensure you try which beers and ciders you want before they run out!

Q: CAN I TAKE ANY BEER OR CIDER AWAY WITH ME?

A: Unfortunately, we are no longer able to sell beer or cider for visitors to take away with them. This is to comply with CAMRA guidance and the impact of taxation rules.

Q: WILL THERE BE FOOD AVAILABLE?

A: There will be hot and cold food available for all sessions of the festival. Nibbles will also be available for purchase from the bars. There is also a shop close to the hall, just across the road.

Q: WILL THERE BE SEATING AVAILABLE?

A: There will be seats available in the main hall, alongside the beers and ciders, as well as on the hall stage and on the balcony. Some seats will be available in the village hall bar area, along with direct access to the bar. However, this seating is limited and we cannot guarantee a seat for everyone. Part of the village hall bar will only be accessible to hall members during the festival.

Q: WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE LOST SOMETHING AT THE FESTIVAL?

A: Please enquire at our Membership Stand, if after the festival, please contact us via the email address below.

Q: CAN I BRING MY DOG?

A: Dogs are allowed into the festival providing they are kept on a lead and under control. 

Q: ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED?

A: Yes, children under 18 are welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult, for example an 18 year old accompanying a 17 year old would neither be acceptable nor permitted. As with any licensed premises, it is illegal for under 18s to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol or consume it. It is also illegal to purchase alcohol for consumption by anyone under 18 years old.

All young children must be supervised at all times.

Anyone who appears to look under the age of 21 will be asked to provide verification of age. Please ensure you bring this with you in case you’re asked.

We will not tolerate the consumption of any alcohol by persons under the age of 18.

Q: IS THERE A CAR PARK?

A: There is car parking available at the Village Hall itself. There is additional parking if needed at the nearby South Woodham Ferrers railway station. If you are parking for more than three hours, at the Village Hall you will need to input your car registration with the village hall bar.

Q: WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO DRIVING?

We recommend that instead of driving to the hall, you use public transport. There are bus links to the village hall, principally via Chelmsford. There is also a rail link to the nearby South Woodham Ferrers station. Which can be reached direct from Shenfield station. Change at Wickford  on some trains.

From Basildon bus station NIBS bus No 94 https://nibsbuses.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2025/01/94-94A-94B-07-24-1.pdf

From Chelmsford First bus No 336 https://www.firstbus.co.uk/sites/default/files/public/maps/336%20Chelmsford%20to%20South%20Woodham%20Ferrers%20valid%20from%2027th%20July%202025.pdf

National Rail link https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

Q: HOW DO I CONTACT THE ORGANISERS OF THE EVENT? 

A: Please email info@maldonanddengie.camra.org.uk should you have any further questions.

Q: FESTIVAL PHOTOGRAPHS 

Admittance to our beer festival is on the basis that you have given permission for inclusion in any photos taken during the event. If you do not wish to be included in any photos, please advise whoever is taking them accordingly.

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