This is taken from the article on HI Hub for a first timers guide with some updates and additions (Note, the article has some historic information updated below):

Who organises it?

The Festival is planned and run by a volunteer Committee of beer enthusiasts and, while we couldn’t do it without the support of Youngs and the Red Lion, we are entirely separate from the operations of the pub. We will also have over 70 volunteers who will be serving the drinks and helping on the door in the evenings.

Why do we do it?

It’s a lot of work and we could just drink our favourite beers in our favourite pubs, so why bother? The driving force is to raise money for good causes and we have been successful in doing so. EVERY penny of profit goes directly to good causes (over £29,600 in 2025), you can find out who benefits around the festival.

Any good cause seeking funds can write to the Histon Beer Festival Committee c/o the Red Lion and we will consider all requests. One stipulation – it must be local.

What beers and ciders will there be?

You’ll have to wait for the programme! As in previous years, we will be having vegan and gluten free beers.

How entry works
Up until 5pm Monday to Friday, just go to the bar and we’ll serve you in a plain glass.

After 5pm and all–day Saturday, you need a current Festival glass for that year to get served. This costs £3 plus an entry fee of £3. Note that this is unchanged since 2022. The glass is, effectively, your entry ticket. The good news is that you can also use the glass as your entry ticket at sessions later in the week. However, if you leave your glass at home, you will need to buy another one and pay another entry fee.

When you have visited for the last time, you have a choice: you can:

• return the glass but donate the £3 to Festival funds so we can continue to support local worthy causes
• keep the glass and add it to your collection
• return the glass to the front door and get your £3 back

Is it just drinking real ale/cider or is anything else going on?

There is food! Lunchtimes it’s in the pub but in the evenings we will also have Sam’s Thai, Chop Shop selling mainly pork products and a BBQ. Don’t forget the music too!

Who’s playing at the festival, and how can I get a slot?

For all music related items see the Music page

Doesn’t this cost a lot of money?

Yes it does. By the time we’ve paid for the marquee, the beer chillers, the bars, the stillage, the glasses, the executive toilets and the beer & cider, we will spend around £30,000. If we are going to reach our target of fundraising for good causes, we need you to come and buy lots of pints!

Can I help??

If you are a local business, we would love to have you as a sponsor. Please get in touch with Colin Myles cbsmyles@gmail.com or Don Kelly dhkelly55@gmail.com and we’ll provide details of the Sponsorship pack.

Volunteers are always welcome either to work behind the bar, to work on the door or during the set-up the weekend before the Festival. Please contact Andy Hurst andrew.h307@btinternet.com or register at the Red Lion.

I’ve been before, will I notice any changes?

We always act upon the feedback we receive and try to take it on board. For 2026 you will see a lot of changes, this is one of the biggest modifications to the festival for a number of years. We will be having more variety of food, a fresh new layout in the tent, even better beer selection, an ‘App’ to help find beers and thanks to Youngs an outside bar for those non-ale drinkers.

Can I bring my children/dog?

Well-behaved children and dogs will be very welcome at lunchtimes and in the early evenings. The festival is adults only after 7pm when the music starts.