York Beer and Cider Festival 2026 needs YOU

 We are looking for volunteers to help us make this year’s York Beer and Cider Festival another resounding success.
 Once again, it will be held in the magnificent St. Lawrence Church in Lawrence Street, York, YO10 3WP.

Set up begins on Thursday 10^th September 2026 and the Festival opens on Wednesday 16^th September, running until Saturday 19^th September.

Take-down will be on Sunday 20^th and Monday 21^st September. 

Many volunteers are needed, especially for the set up and take-down sessions, not just for serving behind the bar during the Festival. 

There are no “shifts” during the set up and take-down days, all we ask is that you give at least 5 hours of your time on any day that you volunteer. We usually work from 9:00 to18:00.

On the Festival open days, the shifts are:

• 11.00 (11:30 on Wednesday 16^th) to 15.30
• 15.00 to 19.30
• 19.00 to 23.00

We need people to help in other non-beer areas such as on the entrance, glass sales, catalogue, membership desk, to name just a few. There may be times when we could be oversubscribed for any particular area so we ask that you are flexible and be prepared to help where needed, however, we will always try to allocate you in your preferred areas wherever possible. 

Please go to the YBCF Volunteer Registration 2026 form (coming soon) to enter your preferences – the sooner you complete it, the more chance you have of getting your preferred areas of working. 

We do hope you will consider giving your time to help us, because without our volunteers, the Festival cannot happen. 

Thank you, 

Les Turnbull, Staffing Manager