Sup Pints in the Sun This Bank Holiday Weekend at an Epic Ale Festival, With Live Music, Street Food & Beers From Over 30 Breweries

Beer, live music and street food – is there any better way to spend a sunny bank holiday?

Passionate about porter? Serious about stout? Mad for mild? Then cancel your Saturday plans, because we’ve found the ultimate beer festival for you. Kirkstall Brewery is hosting the Great Exhibition of Prize Ales, a heady celebration of everything that’s happening in the world of hops. With a stellar line-up of street food vendors and live entertainment, it’s set to be a right old knees up.

Learn about the fascinating history of brewing

More than thirty breweries will be rocking up to Kirkstall Brewery on Saturday 27th May 2023 to celebrate the incredible history of brewing. Kirkstall has challenged brewers from around the country to dig deep into their roots and exhibit one or more beers that showcase a link to the past. Travel back in time and try a range of specially-brewed beers, recreated from recipes of old.

“This festival is an opportunity to discover the roots of great beer brewed in the UK, whether you are a traditional ale enthusiast or modern craft beer drinker,” Chris Hall, Brand Manager at Kirkstall Brewery and organiser of the event, told us. “Everyone has brought something special to the table, including some beers based on recipes that haven’t been brewed for over a century!”

Sample beers from over 30 breweries

Each one of the breweries exhibiting has been hand-picked especially for the event. From Yorkshire names like Amity Brew Co, Elland Brewery and Kelham Island Brewery, to more further afield favourites like Five Points, Verdant and Left Handed Giant, the line-up reads as a who’s who in the world of beer. This is a seriously good chance to discover something new – or in this case, old.

An absolutely gigantic beer list features everything from classic bitters and export pale ales, to milds, porters and barleywines. You’ll be able to try a range of heritage lagers, saisons and Brett-aged beers, alongside a handful of completely unique projects and historic rarities. Tickets come with four drinks tokens, so you can have a few scoops before grabbing your wallet. Bonus.

Dig into eats from local foodie favourites

Perusing pints is hungry work, but fear not – there’s a cracking line-up of street food on hand to help fill your rumbling tum. You can munch on vegetarian Indian dishes from local legends Manjit’s Kitchen, or get your hands on something hot and baked from the wonderfully named Mr D’s Magnificent Pie Machine. Up-and-coming meat masters Braizin’ Squad will also be in attendance.

Vintage-themed live entertainment comes in the form of music from Meanwood Valley Stompers, Professor Longlegs and Louis Louis Louis – an energetic swing and jump-jive four-piece. Cabaret acts produced by the ever-radiant Ebony Silk will also be performing live on stage. All in all, it promises to be a rip-roaring affair, with festivities carrying on until well after sundown.