I've been to most of the Stratford festivals since they began, and have really enjoyed them. You don't get the kids & idiots there who are simply out to get drunk, but people who just want to have a good time on a sunny afternoon and having a few ales just oils the cogs to that end.

Beer? I guess living local it'd be rude not to?

I always find the smaller beer festivals agreeable. There a couple of pubs in Coventry that regularly run them.

The beer festival returns again this year on 12th & 13th June - definitely one of my favourite Stratford events!

This is always a good event; I've been a few times, and gone for a curry afterwards, and have always enjoyed it.

http://www.stratfordbeerfestival.org.uk/