Hucknall Beer Festival Returns with Real Ales, Cider & Secret Challenge
The highly anticipated Hucknall Beer Festival is officially making its return to the John Godber Centre next month, promising a world-class selection of real ales and ciders for attendees. Organisers are delighted to once again partner with Nottingham CAMRA to bring this four-day celebration to the town from February 12 to 15.
Andrew Ludlow is currently busy sourcing a diverse range of beers, while local expert Ray Blockley has been hand-selecting the finest ciders for the event. As a registered charity, the John Godber Centre organises this festival to support the local community and maintain its historic facilities, with the festival committee celebrating its 13th year and looking forward to welcoming both long-term fans and first-time visitors.
Cast Your Vote in the Secret Beer Challenge
The Spyke Golding Shield Challenge returns for its fourth year to crown the best new beer produced by a Nottinghamshire brewer. This unique competition invites the public to blind-taste ten different exclusive brews to decide the ultimate winner, with entries marked simply from A to J to keep the identities of the local breweries a mystery until the big reveal.
Last year’s title was taken home by Blue Monkey Brewery, and this year features an exciting new lineup of secret contenders. Real ale fans can be the very first to try these ten exclusive beers before they are released to the wider trade, adding an element of excitement and exclusivity to the festival experience.
A Commemorative Toast to Hucknall’s Heritage
Every visitor has the chance to purchase a special festival glass, which this year returns to a classic traditional tankard style. The limited-edition design pays tribute to Charles Eamer Kempe, a famous Victorian stained-glass artist with deep ties to the area, thanks to the generosity of Canon John Godber at St Mary Magdalene Church, which features one of the largest collections of Kempe’s work in the country.
Only 576 of these commemorative glasses have been produced, making them a must-have for local collectors and festival enthusiasts. Fans can even explore the stunning windows at the neighbouring church to see the historic inspiration behind this year's glass, adding a cultural and educational element to the event.
Supporting a Vital Hub for the Community
The festival has become a significant boost for Hucknall’s economy, drawing in visitors from as far away as Manchester and Cornwall. Beyond the beer, the event raises vital funds for the John Godber Centre, which hosts over 60 community groups every week, with recent proceeds helping renovate the building from new flooring and lighting to upgraded IT systems for local users.
Your attendance helps ensure this 118-year-old charity continues to provide a warm and welcoming space for everyone in the town. The weekend also features live music from Blurred Mondays on Saturday night alongside plenty of hot and cold food options, with doors opening at 6pm on Thursday, February 12, and sessions running through until Sunday afternoon while stocks last.
