Support 863 Thurston Squadron at the East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival 2026

The 863 (Thurston) Squadron is proud to be one of the supported charities at the 34th East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival. This exciting event will take place from Wednesday 26 August to Monday 31 August 2026 at the stunning St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds. Over six days, the festival will bring together the community to enjoy a wide selection of real ales, craft beers, ciders, food, music, and entertainment — all while supporting local causes like 863 Squadron.

What Makes the East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival Special

The East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival is more than just a celebration of drinks. It is a well-established community event with a strong tradition of supporting charities. Since its inception, the festival has donated over £175,000 to local and national causes. This year, 863 Squadron is honoured to be among the supported charities.

The festival features:

• Over 250 real ales and craft beers

• More than 60 varieties of cider

• Food stalls offering local and international cuisine

• Live music and a full entertainment programme

• A welcoming atmosphere in the beautiful cathedral setting

This combination of great drinks, food, and entertainment draws visitors from across the region, creating a vibrant event that benefits the community in many ways.

How 863 Squadron Benefits from the Festival

For 863 Squadron, the festival is a vital opportunity to raise funds that directly support the cadets. The money raised will help provide a range of activities and training that develop young people’s skills and confidence. These include:

• Leadership training to build responsibility and teamwork

• Aviation activities such as flying and gliding experiences

• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participation

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) projects

• Fieldcraft and adventure training

• Sports and physical fitness programmes

  
  

These activities help cadets develop resilience, confidence, and valuable life skills that prepare them for the future.

How You Can Support 863 Squadron at the Festival

Support from the community is essential for the success of both the festival and 863 Squadron. There are several ways to get involved:

Attend the Festival

Simply attending the festival helps raise funds. Every ticket sold and every drink purchased contributes to the charities supported. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the event and support a great cause.

Volunteer Your Time

The festival depends on volunteers to run smoothly. Roles include:

• Bar work serving drinks

• Customer support and information

• Backroom tasks such as stock management and setup

  
  

Volunteering not only helps the festival but also increases the donation 863 Squadron receives. Parents, former cadets, staff, and community members are all encouraged to volunteer.

Spread the Word

Sharing information about the festival with your network helps attract more visitors and volunteers. Use word of mouth, community groups, or social media to promote the event.

The Impact of Your Support

Every hour volunteered and every ticket purchased makes a difference. The funds raised will allow 863 Squadron to continue offering enriching experiences that shape young lives. By supporting the festival, you help create opportunities for young people to grow, learn, and succeed.

Final Thoughts

The East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival is a fantastic community event with a proud history of supporting charities like 863 Thurston Squadron. By attending, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, you can help provide valuable opportunities for young cadets. Mark your calendar for 26 to 31 August 2026 and join the celebration at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Your support will make a real difference in the lives of local young people.