Dan Rozman writes about beer and music in DC and Maryland.
St. Albans, a city already famous for its pubs, added another feather to its cap with the 6th annual St. Saviour’s Beer and Fizz Festival. This unique event, held in the unlikely venue of St. Saviour’s Church, has quickly become a local favorite.
All pics via Rozman.
The festival’s origins can be traced back to Vicar Richard Watson, who arrived at St. Saviour’s seven years ago with a novel idea: why not combine his love for craft beer with fundraising? Six years in, his brainchild has evolved into a community staple.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Watson shared, “This was our sixth Beer & Fizz Festival, and every year it gets bigger and better!”
With an impressive lineup of 41 cask ales, eight ciders, and fizz, the festival drew beer enthusiasts from near and far. Locals and even this American visitor found themselves navigating the extensive menu with help from knowledgeable volunteers and local beer buffs.
What makes this festival stand out isn’t just its historic church location. Watson explained, “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of local pubs, businesses, and individuals whose donations mean that every drop we sell (and enjoy!) is profit!” Every year the event’s proceeds support a different charity. This year’s beneficiary was The Hospice of St. Francis, a charity supporting 2,000 local people and their families in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The hospice provides free care for those managing or recovering from serious illnesses, offering services at the hospice, at home, and in their Health and Wellbeing Centre.
The festival wasn’t just about the brews, though. Live music filled the air all three days, with a gospel group adding a soulful touch on Sunday. Food trucks lined up outside, offering tasty bites to complement the drinks.
Highlighting the community aspect of the event, Watson added, “We welcomed around 1,600 people across the weekend and it’s become a great way of bringing the local community together!”
St. Albans, a beer lover’s paradise that has been credited with having the highest number of pubs per square mile in the UK, seems a fitting host for such an event. In addition to having a number of traditional English pubs including Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, rumored to be one of Britain’s oldest pubs, downtown St. Albans also has a Beer Shop, a craft beer lover’s meeting place, which has 10 taps and carryout with beers from around the world. The city is home to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) headquarters and ss the St. Saviour’s Beer and Fizz Festival continues to grow, it’s clear that this event is more than just a good time – it’s a celebration of community, charity, and craft brewing. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just looking for a unique weekend out, this festival offers something for everyone. And who knows? You might just find your new favorite pint while supporting a good cause.
Fittingly, Watson concluded with a nod to beer’s historical appreciation, saying, “To steal a phrase often attributed to Franklin, ‘Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!’ AMEN to that!”
Certain aspects of the research and/or drafting for this piece may have employed AI
