For the first time ever, the Great British Beer Festival was held at the iconic NEC in Birmingham, the UK’s premier events venue. This exciting new location offered more space, more brews, and even more opportunities to celebrate the best in British and international beer.
One of our Branch Committee members made a trip there and provided a brief summary of the experience;
“I was as at GBBF as a visitor on Thursday 7th August – as usual we were let in early (from 11.30am) and corralled before the bars opened – collected my glass and bought a programme (£2). The NEC exhibition halls are huge, plenty of space and lots of seating – a welcome difference to Olympia. Food was expensive, £15 on average but there were cheaper options – I got a subway 6” sub (£7.50) which I preferred anyway. I was drinking 1/3 pints – ranged from £1.80 to £3. I worked my way through as many CBOB category winners as were available – missed the gold CBOB overall winner Penzance Mild, it returned and went too fast! Left about 6pm, which seemed to be the time many of the early birds left. Overall a great day out.”
The following is a selection of images supplied by Scoopgen Dave.
Well done to all of the volunteers that helped make it a great Festival, including a number from the Nottingham Branch that worked on the Beer & Cider Bars and the Membership and Learn & Discover stands.
We’ll wait to hear on the announcement of the plans for 2026!
