Lincoln Green’s first beer festival proves a winner

Based at Wigwam Lane industrial estate, the Lincoln Green event was visited by Sherwood MP Mark Spencer and Nottingham’s official Robin Hood and Maid Marian, Tim Pollard and Sally Chappell together with their baby girl Scarlett.

Brewery owner Anthony Hughes presented Mark, Tim, Sally and Scarlett with pump clips representing beers from the Lincoln Green range – ‘Sherwood’ for Mark Spencer, ‘Hood’ for Tim, ‘Marion’ for Sally and of course ‘Scarlett’ for Scarlett.

“The atmosphere over the two days was absolutely incredible”, said Anthony. “I couldn’t have wished for a more successful first festival and we received so much encouragement that we’re now planning a second event.”

Over 30 real ales and eight ciders were featured at the festival, including seven beers from the Lincoln Green range.

Authentic Greek wraps were available from Nottingham Thurland Street restaurant Yamas Meze & Tapas, while new Hucknall business The Very Little Coffee Company served fair-trade, freshly ground coffee, teas and hot chocolates, homemade cakes and biscuits from a funky little van parked outside.

“We used the festival to launch our new chutney made with our very own Marion Pale Ale produced by Gavin Hall of the Nottinghamshire Chutney Company” added Anthony.

Music also featured during the event from Nottingham rock and blues band, Shinkicker who entertained the festival-goers on Saturday evening.

The event also helped raise money for children and young person’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent. Staff from the JD Wetherspoon pub in Hucknall approached Lincoln Green to support their chosen charity and the brewery team were only too pleased to lend their support.

Anthony added: “It was fantastic to help the team from The Pilgrim Oak in raising money. A cask of our lager style beer, Spring Green, was selected by the team to promote during a two hour period on Saturday and all the proceeds from the sales were donated to CLIC Sargent.

“We raised £120 from these sales and beer drinkers also donated to charity boxes to support the cause.”

The festival was supported by members of the Nottingham branch of the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) and Empire Scaffolding, who supplied the stillaging for the ales.

“Hucknall’s cider maker, Ray Blockley of Torkard Cider supplied a fantastic offer of ciders and perry, whilst Ray Kirby of Nottingham CAMRA, lent his cellar management expertise,” added Anthony. “I want to thank everyone who helped us as the festival was only made possible by the generosity of our friends at CAMRA, who volunteered to help out serving customers at the bar, and other friends and colleagues.”