What’s brewing at StageCraft 2026? Reading’s South Street to cheer on independent beer

When Dolphin Brewery’s Andy Barnes helped launch StageCraft at South Street earlier this year, he hoped Reading’s growing beer scene would finally get the celebration of its breweries that it deserved.

The event was a fusion of beers, wines, and ciders, perfect for savouring alongside some of the finest street food around. It was a sold-out success, so it’s no surprise that work is in place to bring it back next year.

Andy says: “Reading has one of the best beer scenes in the country, and it really deserves an amazing craft beer festival. We think StageCraft is that, and we are massively looking forward to it.

“Next year is going to be a great event.”

Although the festival doesn’t take place until April next year, South Street has already put tickets on sale. There are three sessions: the evenings of Friday, 24 April, and Saturday, 25 April, and daytime on Saturday.

While the evening events are for adults only, children are welcome to attend the afternoon session – but there will be no activities specifically designed for them.

Dogs will also be welcome to the afternoon, as long as they stay outside and on a lead.

Early bird tickets are currently on sale for £16 each, and that includes a festival glass. This is the same price as this year’s event, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Andy is hoping that people will take advantage of this deal.

“The event sold out last year, so absolutely get out there and buy tickets for it,” he says.

And, as one of the organisers, Andy will also be bringing Dolphin Brewery’s distinctive small-batch sour beers to the taps.

“I specialise in sour beers, or beers with more acidity, but I’m also composing the lineup,” he says. “We have amazing breweries from around the country that will be joining us, as well as our amazing local breweries.”

Among the national names already confirmed for StageCraft 2026 are Balance Brewing, known for their innovative and perfectly composed mixed-ferm beers from Manchester, and Beak Brewery, whose world-class hop-forward IPAs and lagers have earned a loyal following in Lewes and beyond.

Emperors Brewery will bring their much-celebrated imperial stouts, described as some of the greatest the galaxy has ever seen. At the same time, Glasshouse are set to pour their stunningly joyous, sessionable pales from Birmingham.

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Closer to home, Reading favourites Double-Barrelled Brewery, who offer an ever-changing mix of styles, and Elusive Brewing, the West Coast IPA specialists led by the self-styled “nicest man in brewing”, will be serving beers.

Also returning are Siren Craft Brew, local legends who require little introduction, and Phantom Brewing Co., bringing their hazy hop slingers, fruity sours. Others will be announced in due course.

Fans of Dolphin Brewery can also catch Andy at Reading Farmers’ Market and look out for some exciting changes this autumn.

“We’re always at Reading Farmers Market on the first Saturday of the month — and we’re just about to move to a new location in Twyford, which is really exciting. There will be more news about that soon from our social media pages,” he says.

When is StageCraft taking place at South Street Arts Centre, and how do I get tickets?

StageCraft 2026 will be held at South Street Arts Centre on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April 2026, with three separate sessions across the weekend.

Evening sessions run from 5.30pm to 10.30pm, and a daytime session takes place on the Saturday from 11am to 4pm.

Early Bird tickets cost £16 and include an exclusive festival glass. Bookings can be made through the South Street Arts Centre website at whatsonreading.com, or calling the box office on 0118 960 6060.