The festival will be open to the public from Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th January 2020.
If the information you are looking for isn’t here – try our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Opening Times
Thursday 23rd: Noon* – 10.30pm
Friday 24th: Noon* – 10.30pm
Saturday 25th: Noon* – 7pm
Wednesday 22nd: 5pm – 9pm. Preview session for CAMRA & SPBW members – Free Entry to members.
*Advance ticket holders will commence entry from 11.45am.
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Entry Prices
Entry prices have been held for the third year in a row.
Thursday 23rd January 2019: £4 + £3 glass hire (refundable)
Friday 24th January 2019: £7 + £3 glass hire (refundable)
Saturday 25th January 2019: £7 + £3 glass hire (refundable)
Concessions:
Senior citizens, Armed Forces (including British Legion), Emergency Services Personnel, NHS Staff, Full Time Students with valid identification
£1 off all sessions. Max one discount per entry.
No concessions are available on advance tickets.
CAMRA Members
Members only preview session Weds 22nd 5pm – 9pm. FREE Entry (£3 glass deposit on entry)
FREE entry Thursday (£3 glass deposit on entry)
CAMRA Members attending Friday/Saturday will pay full price but will receive £4 beer tokens.
Society For Preservation of Beers From The Wood (SPBW) Members
CAMRA & SPBW members only preview session Weds 22nd 5pm – 9pm. FREE Entry (£3 glass deposit on entry)
FREE entry Thursday (£3 glass deposit on entry)
Groups & Hospitality:
MBCF 2020 can offer discounted packages to large groups and tailor-made packages suitable for entertaining your customers, clients or staff.Details will follow
For more information & group ticket packages see our Groups & Corporate Hospitality page.
Advance Tickets
To purchase advance tickets, visit our Tickets page.
Advance ticket holders benefit from guaranteed entry, queue jumping direct entry. Advance ticket holders will be admitted from 11.45am, 15 minutes before the festival opens fully (bars will open at Noon).
CAMRA members purchasing advance tickets will receive £4 of beer tokens on presentation of their ticket with a valid membership card.
Glass purchase or hire
To purchase drinks at the festival, you must have an appropriately lined glass. You’ll pay for your glass on entry and collect it once inside.
Festival souvenir glasses will be oversize 2/3 pint measure (lined with 1/3 pint, 1/2 pint and 2/3 pint lines) for maximum enjoyment of our large range of beers and perries. They will be available in two designs.
Non-souvenir 1 pint glasses will also be available for the more traditional drinker.
You may keep your glass as a souvenir or return it to the glasses stand on exit for a refund.
Children
Accompanied children will be admitted free and may remain until 7pm daily. Under 18s must remain under supervision at all times. Under 18s may not approach the bars.
Getting There
For directions and public transport info, see our “Getting Here” page.
Disabled visitors
Manchester Central is fully accessible. The Manchester Beer & Cider Festival only occupies ground floor levels at the venue.
Visitors who require the presence of a carer should buy tickets for themselves for the relevant session as normal. A carer may accompany you and will be admitted free of charge subject to proof of carer status. Carers wishing to buy beer & cider must hire a glass as other visitors do. if you have special needs, please contact the organiser via our contact page.
For further information on accessibility see www.manchestercentral.co.uk/accessibility