Last Updated: 2 March 2026

Key Takeaways

• The Mission: Craft Beer Cares is a charity beer festival where all profits are donated to vital causes like Mind and The Newman Holiday Trust.
• The Breweries: Iconic names like The Kernel, Beavertown, Cloudwater, and Northern Monk have all historically donated beer to support the cause.
• The Impact: Every penny raised helps fund advisory services, mental health campaigning, and holidays for children with special needs.
• The Legacy: This event set a blueprint for how the modern craft beer industry can use its platform to give back to those in need.

As we look back in March 2026, it is heart-warming to see how much the UK craft beer community has grown. But beyond the new taprooms and shiny cans, the most important part of this industry has always been its heart.

One event that perfectly encapsulates this spirit is Craft Beer Cares. Originally launched to raise funds for Mind (The Mental Health Charity) and The Newman Holiday Trust, this festival proved that beer can be a massive force for good.

I have long been a supporter of using our platforms for positive change, whether that is discussing phone anxiety and mental health or supporting local independent businesses. Seeing the brewing industry rally together for a festival like this is exactly why I love this scene.

A Who’s Who of British Brewing

The beauty of Craft Beer Cares was the sheer scale of the support. Beer was donated by some of the most exciting breweries in the UK and beyond. The lineup read like a dream tap list:

• The London Legends: The Kernel, Five Points, Pressure Drop, Partizan, and Beavertown.
• The Northern Powerhouses: Cloudwater, Northern Monk, Wylam, and Magic Rock.
• The Innovators: Siren Craft Brew, Elusive Brewing, and Wild Beer Co.

Historically hosted at venues like Brew Club in Clapton, the festival organisers always had surprises up their sleeves for those lucky enough to grab a ticket. It was a rare chance to try world-class imperial stouts and IPAs knowing that every sip was helping someone in need.

Words from the Organisers

Lead festival organiser Gautam Bhatnagar noted that the team was inspired by movements like #CookForSyria. They wanted to play whatever role they could to help those in need. Gautam shared at the time:

“It’s been a really heart-warming experience seeing the many people involved in the craft beer community and their willingness to donate time, advice, energy, and of course, the beer! We’ve had a great response from everyone we’ve asked, and that comes as little surprise given how wonderful the people in the beer industry are.”

Karen Bolton from Mind added that every penny raised funds vital work, including the Mind Infoline and advisory services for the one in four of us who experience a mental health problem every year. If you are ever feeling overwhelmed by the digital world, checking out resources for reducing notification stress is a great first step alongside the work these charities do.

The Future of Charitable Drinking

While specific festival dates for 2026 are always being announced across social media, the legacy of Craft Beer Cares remains. It taught us that the “craft” in craft beer is not just about the liquid in the glass but the community we build around it.

Whether you are attending a massive festival in London or just grabbing a pint of The Kernel Pale Ale at your local, remember the power of the independent spirit.

FAQ: Craft Beer Cares & Charity Events

What is the Newman Holiday Trust? The Newman Holiday Trust is a charity that provides holidays for children with special needs. They rely heavily on donations and volunteer support to give these children a much-needed break and a fun-filled experience.

How does a charity beer festival work? In the case of Craft Beer Cares, breweries donate their beer for free. Staff and organisers often volunteer their time, meaning that after the basic venue costs are covered, 100% of the ticket and token sales can go directly to the chosen charities.

Can I still get tickets for Craft Beer Cares? Events are typically announced seasonally. You should follow @CraftBeerCares on Twitter (X) or Instagram to keep an eye on their next session. Tickets historically cost around £15 and include your glass and initial tokens.