FAQs

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CAMRA
Great British Beer Festival Great British Beer Festival Great British Beer Festival

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be bag searches?

Yes, we will be conducting bag searches at the entrance to the festival. Please note, we will also be conducting random body searches which will be carried out by same-sex staff.

How can I pay at the bars?

All the bars will only accept contactless or tokens as payment. If you want to use cash then we have two token stands (one in each hall) that you can buy tokens with cash for use at the bars

Is there a smoking area?

Yes, there is a dedicated outdoor smoking area. You can swap your current glass/drink for a numbered token and leave it with one of our Stewards to keep it safe as you cannot take glasses outside.

Can I leave and come back in the same day?

We do allow you to leave and come back on the same day but please make sure that you have spoken to a team member on the door before leaving to receive your pass out. There is no readmission after the last admission times. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

I'm a CAMRA member, how do I purchase discounted tickets?

To get your CAMRA discount on your tickets please visit the tickets page here and click on the member tickets option for the General Admission ticket. Then login using your CAMRA membership details to access the member tickets. Alternatively click .

What's the ticket refund policy?

Unfortunately no refunds can be issued on advanced tickets.

I've ordered my ticket but haven't received the email?

Please check your spam folder. If nothing is there please email events@camra.org.uk with your details.

Disability access - is there allocated seating?

Unfortunately, we do not have any allocated seating, but there is plenty of seating available and the VIP seating is on the first floor and accessible to all.

Does Olympia London provide disabled access?

Yes, Olympia London offers full access for everyone to enjoy the festival. Find out more about Olympia London’s facilities here.

Can I get a ticket for my essential companion?

Any guest requiring an essential carer/companion in order to attend can get one free ticket, which is issued at the door.

Is the festival dog friendly?

Unfortunately, only assistance dogs are allowed into the festival.

Can I bring my own chair?

Yes, however we advise that these be small stools like you might use to go fishing. If you bring anything bigger, we do reserve the right to remove these and hold them in storage until you exit the festival.

What's Ask for Angela?

Ask for Angela is an innovative campaign enabling those who feel vulnerable in pubs and clubs to discreetly approach a member of staff and request assistance. The scheme will be available at this year’s Great British Beer Festival. The ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative aims to reduce sexual violence and vulnerability by providing visitors to the festival with a non-descript phrase they can use to gain assistance from staff members in order to be separated from the company of someone with whom they feel unsafe due to that person’s actions, words or behaviour.

Can I keep my festival glass?

Your festival glass is included as part of your ticket purchase and is non refundable so you will be able to take it home with you when you leave.

Are there soft drinks available at the festival?

Yes there will be various soft drinks available from the food stalls along with a dedicated coffee stall.

Will there be water at the bars to rinse my glass out?

There will be various water points throughout the festival situated at the front of the bars for you to clean your glass and have a drink of water. If you’re not sure where your nearest water point is then please ask at a bar.

Where can I get allergen information on the beers?

All of our bar staff will be able to provide allergen information on the beers they are serving. Where possible we will make information available in advance with our online beer lists, but we strongly advise that you ask on site at the bar.

Is the festival open to the public on Tuesday 1 August?

The festival’s Trade Session takes place between 12:00 – 17:00 on Tuesday and is for members of the trade only. The festival is open to members of the public from 17:00 – 22:30. Season ticket holders will gain entry to the trade session.

When does the famous Hat Day take place?

Hat Day will take place on Thursday 3rd August!

What are the opening times of GBBF?

Tuesday 1 August – 12:00 17:00 (Trade Session)
Tuesday 1 August – 17:00 – 22:30 (Public Session)
Wednesday 2 August – 12:00 – 22:30
Thursday 3 August – 12:00 – 22:30
Friday 4 August – 12:00 – 22:30
Saturday 5 August – 12:00 – 19:00
Last Admission: half an hour before close.

Can Under 18s Attend The Festival

Under 18s can not attend this year as we have no family room available due to ongoing renovations at Olympia.

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