The event always takes place on 15 June and is celebrated in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, enjoying its Tin Anniversary this year.
Beer Day Britain founder Jane Peyton joked: “For the first time, Father’s Day coincides with Beer Day Britain, which is the pub visit equivalent of a buy one, get one free!”
In previous years, pubs have marked the occasion with beer & food matching menus, beer festivals, and special events.
Cheers at 7pm
Peyton added: “Britain has reason to celebrate its national drink for many reasons, not least because of the global popularity of beer styles that originated in British breweries.
“The world’s two most widely brewed ales, India pale ale (IPA) and stout, were first brewed in Britain. Other British styles are also hugely popular, including porter, mild, brown ale, barley wine and Scotch ale.’
Each year, the focus of Beer Day Britain is the ‘National Cheers To Beer’ toast at 7pm. This activity is not only marked across the UK but by beer drinkers around the world who participate each year. The hashtag #cheerstobeer always trends on social media.
Supernatural ability
Peyton, who is a beer and cider sommelier, broadcaster and founder of School of Booze – a drinks education consultancy and corporate events production company, said: “Beer has a supernatural ability to unite people and get the party started. You could say that every day is beer day in Britain but 15 June is an extra special day and one to bring the nation together to say Cheers To Beer.”
The date is also the 810th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta. Beer Day Britain shares the date with Magna Carta because ale is mentioned in Clause 35, where it states: “Let there be throughout our kingdom a single measure for wine and a single measure for ale and a single measure for corn… ”
Not everyone can get out to a pub or taproom, especially people who live in care homes, so Beer Day Britain instigator Jane Peyton encourages breweries to adopt a care home in their area and take the pub to them by donating beer so they can celebrate national beer day.
