Beer fest pouring its heart into the community

THERE'S something about an English summer weekend that calls for a cool pint, the hum of live music, and the gentle buzz of community.

- By SAM WONFOR

Picture it: children weaving through craft stalls with painted faces, couples sharing tacos in the sunshine, groups of friends clinking glasses to the beat of a soul band. That's the spirit of the programme for the Gosforth Beer Festival - a vibrant, family-friendly celebration that aims to pour far more than just beer into the heart of its community.

Back for 2025 and promising to build on the successful outings which have paved the way, the popular event at Gosforth Civic Theatre (GCT) is set to run from August 1 to 3.

Roaring back to life last year after a two-year hiatus, this year’s festival looks ready to cement its place in Newcastle's cultural calendar.

At its core, this is a festival with heart. Organised by the Gosforth Civic Theatre and the Liberdade Community Development Trust - a pioneering organisation giving people with learning disabilities the power and chance to shape their lives - the GCT Beer Festival is a true grassroots gathering.

Every pint poured and ticket sold helps fund inclusive creative opportunities for the local community. But that’s not the only reason to raise a glass.