The Lincoln Beer Festival, a cornerstone of the city’s cultural events, has relocated to Southside, a former church on Colegrave Street. This move reflects a decrease in attendance numbers and shifting social habits, particularly around drinking. Now in its 43rd year, the festival is running from Thursday to Saturday. Festival organiser Mark Richards cites a societal trend towards earlier socialisation and a decline in young people visiting venues at night, significantly influenced by the pandemic, as key reasons for the venue change. Previously, the festival held its events at The Drill on Free School Lane, but it’s had to adjust to keep pace with these societal shifts.
Local pub owner in Stamford, Michael Thurlby, agrees with these observations. He notes a broader lifestyle change towards healthier living and earlier social activities. He attributes this shift to factors such as the 2007 smoking ban and the continued effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Lincoln Beer Festival, supported by Lincoln CAMRA, will offer a varied selection of beers, real ales, and non-alcoholic drinks. Hours of operation have been modified to accommodate current consumer preferences, with the event now open from midday until late evening.
This report is a version of an article originally published on www.bbc.com, as adapted by The Lincoln Post.
