The Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival, Nottingham CAMRA’s flagship annual event, has secured a new home at Trent Bridge cricket ground.
Work has started on plans to host the event from Wednesday 13 October until Saturday 16 October this year in the hope that pandemic-induced disruption to the brewing and hospitality industry can be overcome in time for the safe staging of the iconic festival.
Diary clashes at the Motorpoint Arena and the redevelopment of Nottingham Castle sparked the search for a venue befitting the scale and prestige of the event which has grown considerably in recent years with up to 20,000 customers expected to attend throughout the duration of the festival.
“We are delighted to have been invited to stage the festival at Trent Bridge,” said Nottingham CAMRA Chairman Steve Westby.
“I am sure customers will appreciate the opportunity to enjoy drinking quality beers and ciders in such historic surroundings.
“Of course, the event will only go ahead if the current pandemic restrictions are lifted and it is perfectly safe to do so, but we felt it was important to allow our customers and volunteers to have dates to look forward to.”
Trent Bridge, the historic home of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, is engrained in pub folklore with its founder, William Clarke, having married the landlady of the Trent Bridge Inn in 1837. One year later, the adjoining field became the county’s premier cricket ground under his stewardship.
Sustained investment has cemented the West Bridgford venue’s position as one of six in England to host Test cricket.
“We can’t wait to welcome Nottingham CAMRA to Trent Bridge and dearly hope that circumstances allow us to stage the event this year,” said Trent Bridge Commercial Director Michael Temple.
“We all need something to look forward to and we’re thrilled to be working with Steve and the team to progress their plans as soon as it’s deemed safe to do so.”
Prospective patrons can register their interest, and jump to the front of the queue when ticketing information is revealed, by visiting www.trentbridge.co.uk/CAMRA