The festival has been organised by real ale enthusiasts to raise funds for the Oast centre restoration which is a registered charity. The Oast was acquired by Rainham & Wigmore Community Association in the early 1970s and was converted to open as the current community centre in 1978. Originally known as Wakeley's Oast the building was constructed in the 1890s and in use for drying hops until 1960s when it became disused. There are major works required to the building and the funds raised will help towards this essential maintenance
EVENT GUIDELINES
The difficult bit for any festival - the guidelines to make it run smoothly! We've tried to make it straightforward so hopefully it makes an enjoyable event for everyone. We have food stalls raising funds for the Oast for when you get hungry and it's a beer festival so we can't allow other booze to be brought in
- Over 18s only (no children) - ID may be required
- No dogs on site except guide dogs
- No alcohol to be brought onto the site
- Only food bought on site to be consumed but you can leave site to eat elsewhere
- Beer and cider may only be dispensed in festival glasses
- Please keep hold of your glass - only 1 glass per entry
- Last admission time is 9.30pm
How does the festival work?
Entry on both days is £5 at the gate, it's over 18s only so you may need ID if you're lucky to look younger. The entry fee gets you into the festival to see the bands and you'll get a programme and a commemorative festival glass.
Once inside you can collect your glass and buy vouchers for the beer and cider. The vouchers cost £10 and are cards marked up with amounts from 10p to £1 that total £10.
The beer and cider bar is located in the kiln adjacent to the car park, it doesn't take cash and is vouchers only. You can order each beer as pints or halves.
When you've chosen your beer or cider please order by the number in the programme and on the barrel and the amount will be marked off your voucher card.
Once you have paid for your entry/glass you can visit on both days for the one entry fee of £5.
Food stalls will be located outside the Oast and selling things like gourmet sausages, pizza, Indian snacks and burgers.
There is no parking on site. Unless you're sticking to soft drinks we'd recommend coming by train or using one of the local taxi firms to get to the festival. For designated drivers there is a large pay & display car park opposite the Oast on Station Road.
The Oast Centre Rainham as it is now
The Oast in 1970 before conversion to community centre
