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Writer's pictureTom Young

Prepare for craft beer, live music and street food as Leicester’s Brew Beat festival returns

A fantastic lineup for this year's Brew Beat.

The Brew Beat festival is returning for its fourth year.
The Brew Beat festival is returning for its fourth year.

The free Brew Beat festival is returning for its fourth year, taking place in Jubilee Square from Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1.


It promises to offer a fantastic line-up of live music, craft beers, cocktails, street food, and entertainment for all the family to enjoy. With over 7,000 visitors attending in 2023, the event is poised to be bigger and better than ever.


Ian Martin, co-owner of The Real Ale Classroom, shared his thoughts on joining Brew Beat in its fourth year: “Having attended and thoroughly enjoyed Brew Beat over the last few years it is a privilege to be involved with this years event.


"The range and quality of craft beer available has exploded in recent years and we are really looking forward to showcasing a diverse selection of beer styles from some of the finest craft brewers in Britain.


"I believe there is a beer to suit all tastes and a beer festival is wonderful way to try new beers and give your taste buds a treat.”


The event is funded by BID Leicester, with support from event sponsors De Montfort University (DMU), the music licensing company PPL PRS, and green energy provider Octopus Energy.


Brew Beat will once again be brought to life by a partnership of three local businesses: Arch Creative project manage the event and create the eye-catching design; HQ Recording curate the fantastic musical line-up; and, new for 2024, drinks partner The Real Ale Classroom will provide the selection of drinks available from the festival bars.


Welcoming The Real Ale Classroom to the Brew Beat family is an exciting development for the festival.


The award-winning micro-pub will bring their craft beer education from the classroom to Jubilee Square, providing visitors with a taste of the best local, regional and national breweries.


There will also be a selection of ciders, cocktails, gins, alcoholic slushies, fizz, mocktails and soft drinks on offer across a range of bars, so attendees will find a thirst-quenching tipple for every taste.

The festival combines live music, craft beers, cocktails, street food, and more.
The festival combines live music, craft beers, cocktails, street food, and more.

As well as craft beer, the event will showcase an array of musical talent over the weekend, with a mix of genres and styles giving something for everyone to enjoy.


The acts, who will be announced in the run up to the festival, will feature artists both from Leicester and further afield, allowing festival-goers the chance to discover talented local acts and experience more of what Leicester’s music scene has to offer.


Yasin El Asrafi, owner of HQ Recording, spoke about Brew Beat and curating the musical talent: “I’m really excited about this year’s festival, we have some really special performances being commissioned and a bigger & better stage so this is set to be the best year yet!”


Music will run throughout the day until 10pm on Friday and Saturday, and 7pm on Sunday. Once the mainstage has closed, local venues will offer plenty of options for those who want to keep the good times going.


A programme of events hosted by the city’s much-loved bars and pubs will include live music and DJ sets to keep the party alive into the night. Event details will be listed on the Brew Beat website in the run up to the festival.


Joe Nixon, co-founder of design and marketing agency, Arch Creative, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing Brew Beat back for a fourth year, celebrating the artistry and creativity of both brewers and musicians in Leicester.


"We pride ourselves on the lively, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that has made Brew Beat a firm favourite in the city’s festival calendar. It’s sure to be another unforgettable experience for our community.”


Nine local businesses came together in the square last year to create Brew Beat, and this year will see that number increase with the addition of another bar, an expanded entertainment programme and family-focussed offerings. More details on vendors and entertainment will be revealed closer to the festival.


Simon Jenner, BID Leicester director, said: “BID Leicester is delighted to present Brew Beat for the fourth year running in 2024, following the enormous success of the festival in Jubilee Square last year. Bringing in over 7000 visitors to Leicester over the 3-day weekend of music and celebration.


“This year will see a huge range of musical talent, craft beers and tasty food from Leicester and far beyond, with something for everyone to enjoy.


"The festival will be a vibrant showcase of what Leicester has to offer, helping to drive footfall into the city centre. We expect this year to see the summer out in true Brew Beat style, which is always a lot of fun!”


The festival site at Jubilee Square will be free to enter, however, once capacity is reached a

one-in, one-out policy will take effect. The festival welcomes all ages and runs from Friday 30 August to Sunday 1 September 2024.


Andrea Gray, managing director, PPL PRS, said: “PPL PRS is once again delighted to be supporting the Brew Beat event in Leicester city centre this August. This event has gone from strength to strength each year, and I am sure that this year will be another success.


"We are looking forward to working with the teams who are bringing live music and entertainment into the city for everyone to enjoy, and raising the profile of Leicester as a hub of creativity and diversity.”

The festival will be in Jubilee Square in Leicester City Centre.
The festival will be in Jubilee Square in Leicester City Centre.

Sarah Thomson Director of Engagement at DMU, said: “De Montfort University is proud to support Brew Beat Leicester in partnership with BID Leicester.


"This initiative exemplifies our commitment to city engagement, showcasing the remarkable talent within our community and fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration.


"We are excited to be part of an event that celebrates creativity, diversity, and the vibrant culture of Leicester.”


The festival takes place August 30 to September 1, 2024.


To keep up to date with the latest updates on musical acts, vendors, entertainment, and events as they are announced, visit the Brew Beat website.

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