‘Not the Newark Beer Festival’ to take place at pubs across Newark and Southwell, organised by Yupp Beer and supported by Newark CAMRA

A popular beer festival is set to return to town this bank holiday weekend, but will look a little bit different this year.

Organised by Yupp Beer, and supported by Newark CAMRA, ‘Not the Newark Beer Festival’ runs from tomorrow until this Sunday (May 25).

For the past decade, Newark Beer Festival has been held in the grounds of Newark Castle, but due the works commencing on the castle’s Gatehouse Project, the future of festival was in doubt until eight pubs came together to ensure people could still celebrate all things beer.

Participating Newark pubs include; the Fox and Crown, Prince Rupert, The Navigation, Flying Circus, Organ Grinder, Just Beer, and Oscar’s Inn, as well as The Final Whistle in Southwell.

With over 50 unique beers on tap, each venue will have a range of five or six real ales, and at least one real cider available to taste.

It is hoped that by spreading the beers out, it will encourage festival-goers to explore and visit as many pubs as possible.

Food and live music will also be provided at some of venues.

A spokesperson for Yupp beer, said: “The beer festival is something that people really look forward to each year.

“It is massive for Newark, and it would have been a shame to lose it.

“At the moment, everyone in hospitality is struggling, so it is great to see so many venues coming together.

“The festival isn’t just important for the pubs, but creates a lot of business in town too.”

Sam Lucas, of Newark CAMRA, added: “We hope [the festival] will draw extra trade into the pubs involved and create a festive weekend celebrating real ale and cider around the area.”

Festival organisers hope to return to the Castle Grounds in May 2026.