The English Ale

The English Ale The English Ale (Ale meaning singing, dancing, drinking & making merry) is an annual seasonal event held every year in May in Mylor, South Australia.

The first of our winter rains has come; in the Adelaide Hills the creeks and streams trickle and begin to run, the European trees have lost their leaves and the beautiful eucalypts shimmer in the early winter sunshine. The seasons are changing. We have farewelled another dry, hot summer – the land that was so parched and dry is now is coming back to life as we move into the green. The leafy faces

of green men peek out from behind the trees as King George and his mummers players ring their bell to summon all to gather. A bonfire is built with a wicker man waiting to fire the night, masked guisers in rag coats beat their drums to lead you along the path while we await the Morris dancers with their bells, sticks and hankies to accompany the giants Petal, Rufus and Tanis, to the lighting of our ritual fire. The English Ale is coming and the Spirit of Albion lives on! The English Ale is organised by like minded people who are passionate and proud of these living customs and want to see them continue and survive in this far away land of Australia, while still honouring this beautiful land we live on. The imagination of the organisers has been fired by the amazing festivals held throughout Britain today but special thanks must be given to Keith Leech and the Hastings Jack in the Green.

“Tradition is not worshipping the ashes but passing on the fire”
Gustav Mahler

25/09/2025

Hello English Ale Community,

After much thought, we’ve decided to pause The English Ale for 2026.

We’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve created together over the years. The English Ale is a truly special festival, and our goal has always been to bring you the best experience possible. As a volunteer-run event, we also juggle busy lives outside of the Ale, and we've realised we need a breather - just for one year.

This isn’t goodbye. It’s a chance for us to rest, recharge, and come back stronger in 2027!

To our amazing volunteers, performers, stallholders, supporters, sponsors, and the wonderful Mylor community—thank you. Your passion and support mean the world to us.

Save the date: The English Ale will return on Saturday, 15th May 2027.
Stay connected with us here and at theenglishale.org for updates.

With love,
Adrienne and The English Ale Committee

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Roger 'Father Christmas' Calcraft, an original founder of the English ...
22/08/2025

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Roger 'Father Christmas' Calcraft, an original founder of the English Ale and long time member of The Fayre Guisers Mummers Players. Journey well Roge, the English Ale and Shanties just won't be the same without you!

25/05/2025
Petal the giant's Porter Lachy enjoying a bevvy before the procession!
19/05/2025

Petal the giant's Porter Lachy enjoying a bevvy before the procession!

18/05/2025

Hello wonderful EA family - if you have any good footage or photos you'd like to share please send to [email protected] . We'd love to share your magical memories :)

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Mylor Oval
Adelaide, SA
5153

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