The Leighton Buzzard Beer Festival was established to bring a dedicated beer festival to the town, inspired by successful events in neighboring areas like Luton, Milton Keynes, and St. Albans. The idea emerged after a well-received winter beer festival at Leighton Buzzard Brewing Co. in early 2018, leading to discussions about creating a larger, annual event.
The first official Leighton Buzzard Beer Festival took place on June 22–23, 2018, at The Scout Hut on Grovebury Road, home to the 1st Leighton Buzzard Scout Group. The festival featured 46 beers from breweries across the country, including unique selections like Brazilian Coffee and Vanilla Porter from Colchester, Billericay Dickie from Billericay Brewery, and Papworth’s Red Kite. A variety of ciders from Millwhites in Somerset, along with a wine and gin bar, added to the diverse offerings.
The Leighton Buzzard Beer Festival has continued to grow, with its 5th annual edition taking place in 2024. The festival has maintained its tradition of showcasing a diverse range of cask ales, keg beers, and ciders, with selections from Leighton Buzzard Brewing Company, Hornes Brewery, Milestone Brewery, and more.
The 2024 beer list featured 40 cask ales and 5 keg beers, including local favorites like Bavarian Dragon, Tropical Buzz, and Train Robber from Leighton Buzzard Brewery. The festival also included ciders from Cotswold Cider Co., Lilley’s, and Saxby’s, offering a variety of styles from dry to sweet.
The event has remained a community-focused gathering, with an emphasis on local brewing culture and a welcoming atmosphere for beer enthusiasts. You can view pictures from the recent Beer Festivals here.