Newark Beer and Cider Festival at the Castle Grounds celebrates another year of success
A popular festival celebrates another year of success with its doors open every day during the weekend.
The Newark Beer and Cider festival returned for the 27th year with a delivered promise of bigger, better and more booze.
Although the sun wasn’t shining as in past years, it didn’t stop people from making their way to the grounds of Newark Castle.
Organiser Sam Lucas said: “The festival is going really well, we haven’t had as many people as last year but the sun isn’t shining.
“The castle grounds are a great venue, lovely choice of beers and we have been getting a lot of different people, family, dogs, older people and younger people, a great mix that adds to the amazing atmosphere.”
Thousands of people visited the festival over the weekend, from Friday (May 24) until Sunday (May 26) to try the 120 real ales and 30 real ciders, most from local and regional breweries.
Unlike last year, the drinks didn’t sell out, so the teams were emptying the barrels by 4pm on Sunday.
Friends Natalie Garlic, Anne Marie Card and Jennifer Blair from Newark and Lincoln visited the beer and cider festival for the first time.
They said: “It is wonderful, brilliant atmosphere, we are having an amazing time.
“We will come back next year again for sure.”
Job Gregory: “The music is cool and the beer is even cooler.
“I think I am going to move to ciders next because the beers there are just too many to choose from.”
Kirke Viira said: “I am a big fan of the festivals in Newark, I came to the music festival before but this is my first beer festival.
“It is very fun, it looks like everyone is enjoying themselves, there’s people of all age, families and friends, it is a nice festival for everyone.”
Debbie Fawcett, who works at the beer festival said: “The festival mainly picks up in the evening because there are places to buy food, and the music starts with bands playing.
“It is not just the beer of the cider but it is a celebration.”
Les Reid, the man in charge of the Leicester Trader, the Newark Heritage Barge, visited the festival for the first time as he is often at the museum boat.
“The festival is really nice, everyone seems happy and to be enjoying themselves.”
Martyn Rose, who travelled from the Lincoln area said: “It is my first time, it is a great day, the sun is out and everyone is having a great time, the music is great and it is a great atmosphere.
“It is great to be in the Castle grounds, you get an amazing background, it is brilliant.”
Friends Neil Savell and Roger Walmsley said: “The best thing about the festival so far is the beer, we are just going to keep trying them all and getting to know the different ones.”
Rebecca Hurst said: “We came eight years ago and it is great, the music was great, spot-on.
“We are having a great day and a shoutout to the cheese toasties.”
Mark Ward said: “We have been coming for two years now, we keep coming back for the beer, lovely people and to see my friends.”
Chris Hodgett, who has been a regular at the festival for the past four years said: “Great atmosphere, great music and great beer.”
Colin Reed “I have been here loads times, I even worked at it. It is a really good festival, there is a great variety of beer, food tents and a lot of good friends.
Liz Lucas said: “I love it, the community here, to see everyone out is amazing and it is such beautiful grounds as well.”
