The fifth annual event welcomes beer-ginners and more seasoned drinkers

It’s hard to believe that time has flown by so quickly, but The Whitelock’s and Turk’s Head beer festival will be back for its 5th birthday from the 25th-28th July this year, and it promises to be a cracker as always.

2019’s fest kicks off at 11am on the Thursday for the hardcore, running through to Sunday evening. A fiver gets you a festival glass, a programme and your first half, then you’re on your own, free to explore the true limitations of your liver. With menus dotted about and plenty of staff on hand to offer advice, this is a festival that welcomes beer-ginners and seasoned pros alike.

2019 07 18 Whitelocks Beer Festival Food

This year’s theme is the South West, and the festival has laid on a total of 50 different beers over the weekend, with 28 at any given time. As usual, the split is more cask-oriented at Whitelock’s, with nine cask and five keg, but fizzy fans can get their fix at Turk’s Head, with eleven keg and two cask offerings. 

The festival always serves up a few rarities, but as is always the case: when it’s gone, it’s gone – so expect a beer nerd surge early on. Look out for Deya’s only cask of the year, Put the Kettle On, and Wiper and True’s Milkshake Stout, as well as beers from the likes of Left Handed Giant, Stannary, New Lion and more.

2018 07 19 Whitelocks Beer Festival Whitelocks Sat 5

As usual, there will be plenty of food to fit the theme, as well as a range of pop-ups to soak up the beer – these will be announced in the coming days. Keep checking the official site for the latest information, but other than that, it’s as simple as turning up, grabbing a glass and praying for sunshine.

Whitelock’s Ale House, Turk’s Head Yard LS1 6HP 

Festival Dates: Thursday 25th July 11am – Sunday 28th July 11pm