Cheers! One of the Black Country's biggest beer festivals returns for its 40th anniversary

And it will be a double celebration when the Dudley Winter Ales Fair is held once more in November this year, as it will also coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Campaign for Real Ale's Dudley and South Staffordshire branch, which organises the event.

The event will once again be held in Dudley Town Hall from November 26 to 28 and will feature more than 70 beers as well as cider, wine and hot food.

The first Dudley Winter Ales Fair was held at Netherton Arts Centre in 1986, but moved to the town hall in 2002 as it grew in popularity

It has been held every year since apart from in 2020, when coronavirus restrictions were in place.

The 2026 festival will have a ruby and gold theme  and it is hoped to feature ales from all of the breweries within the branch area. They are being invited to create special beers specially for the event.

Camra members will be able to get free entry if they book tickets in advance.

There will be commemorative glasses this year and there will be an earlier opening time of 12 noon on the opening Thursday.

Organisers are hoping numbers will be boosted by the West Midlands Metro tram line, which is due to reach the town centre by 'autumn 2026'. 

Advance tickets will go on sale later in the year.

Organisers are seeking sponsorship for the event from local breweries, pub companies and businesses.