Scotland’s largest cask ale festival will return to Troon this autumn, with more than 150 ales set to be showcased during the event’s 25th anniversary year.
The Ayrshire Beer and Cider Festival will take place at Troon Concert Hall from Thursday 1 to Saturday 3 October 2026.
Organised by the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, the festival will feature more than 150 cask ales from Scotland and across the UK.
Visitors will also be able to choose from 25 real ciders and perries, alongside a selection of low and no-alcohol beers and ciders. Wine and prosecco will also be available.
Due to the size of the festival, both Troon Concert Hall and the neighbouring Walker Hall will be used to accommodate two large bars.
This year’s Learn and Discover Bar will offer samples of three different ciders and demonstrate how blending them can produce a range of different flavours.
The festival will also host CAMRA’s prestigious Champion Beer of Scotland competition on Friday 2 October.
Entries will be blind tasted by a panel of judges, with the winning beer due to be announced during the afternoon.
The Fishermen’s Mission has been selected as the festival’s designated charity for 2026. Operating from Troon Harbour, its local team provides practical and emotional support to members of the area’s fishing and prawning community.
Brownings the Bakers, the festival’s main sponsor this year, will provide hot food, snacks and soft drinks throughout the event.
Festival organiser Matt Miller said: “The festival is run solely by CAMRA volunteers, and we’re proud to be able to showcase a wide range of quality ales and ciders, not just from Scotland but from around the UK.
“By popular demand, a pipe band will be playing once again throughout Saturday afternoon, and we’ll also have live music on Friday night by The Splinters and Saturday night by Kenny James to keep the crowds entertained.
“The festival is great value, even more so this year as there is free entry for all CAMRA members.”
The festival will open at noon on Thursday 1 October for CAMRA members, with general admission available from 2pm until 11pm.
Opening hours on Friday 2 October will be from 11am until 11pm, while the festival will run from 11am until 10pm on Saturday 3 October.
Admission is free for CAMRA members and £7 for non-members. A commemorative festival glass and programme will cost £3.
Visitors can receive free entry to subsequent sessions by bringing their 2026 commemorative glass back with them.
Further information is available at www.ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk.