SCBF50 – Where Are All the Women? – a tutored beer tasting and discussion: Rachel Auty, Founder of Women On Tap CIC
Saturday 24 October, 13:00
This event is part of the Sheffield CAMRA Steel City Beer Festival 2026 (SCBF50).
Women’s involvement with beer dates back millennia. Throughout the 9,000-year history of fermented drinks, archaeologists and historians have charted the role of women, both in the production and sale of beer. For example, in Medieval Britain, it was women that took charge of the production of beer, both for consumption within the home and for commercial sale.
However, women remain significantly under-represented in beer – as makers, drinkers, and buyers – and in some areas, the numbers are heading in the wrong direction. As Women On Tap CIC marks its 10th anniversary, founder Rachel Auty unpacks what’s driving that gap: from the barriers women face working in the industry to why so many still don’t see beer as “for them.”
She’ll share what Women On Tap is doing to change that – from bursaries breaking down financial barriers to entry, to events and initiatives designed to bring more women into beer, as drinkers, brewers, and industry professionals. It’s a talk about why closing this gap matters – not just for equity, but for the future health of an industry we all love.
- You will be introduced to three beers, brewed by brewsters.
- Each beer will be served in a 1/3 pint measure.
- The choice of beers will be finalised closer to the event.
- The selected beers will provide a variety of both beer styles and a range of strengths.
- This event will take place in the Power Room: over the bridge from the Main Hall, then turn left.
- This tutored tasting is part of the 2026 Sheffield Steel City Beer Festival. There is an extra charge of £4.00 per person.
- You will need to enter the Beer Festival in advance of the tasting. This entry will incur the normal Beer Festival admission fee.
