Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival Returns to Trent Bridge, for it's fifth year in a row at the venue

This year’s festival will also pay tribute to Tim Pollard, Nottingham’s official Robin Hood for over three decades, who sadly passed away last month following a short illness. A much-loved figure across the city and a familiar presence at the festival over the years, Tim’s absence will be deeply felt.

“There’s no doubt it will feel strange not to welcome Tim through our gates as Robin Hood this year,” said Steve Westby, Chairman of Nottingham CAMRA. “Our festival celebrates everything great about Nottingham, and Tim embodied that spirit. We encourage attendees to raise a glass in his honour – and maybe even wear their best outlaw fancy dress to keep his memory alive.”

Now in its fifth year at Trent Bridge, the 2025 edition features a refreshed layout due to the redevelopment of the ground’s historic Pavilion. New indoor spaces like the Boundary’s Edge hospitality lounge in the Radcliffe Road Stand will host brewery bars, while the Trent Bridge Inn Courtyard Marquee becomes the vibrant hub of the festival with a diverse live music line-up from Thursday to Saturday. The Smith Cooper Concourse and pitchside bars – including Nottingham Brewery in front of the William Clarke Stand – will showcase even more award-winning ales and craft creations.

“We’ve worked hard to evolve the layout for a more intimate experience while preserving the unique character that Trent Bridge brings,” added Westby. “But some traditions stay – including real glass tankards and a mix of old favourites and innovative brews.”

The 2025 Midlands and West Independent Beer Awards, hosted by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), will take place on Wednesday 8 October at the festival. The prestigious competition highlights the best craft beers from across the region – including Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire – and features a wide range of styles, from traditional bitters and porters to modern, hop-forward IPAs.

“We’re delighted to be hosting the awards at Nottingham’s flagship beer event,” said Anthony Hughes, SIBA Midlands Director. “The region has an incredible independent brewing scene, and this is a great opportunity to celebrate it.”

Meanwhile, the East Midlands Cider and Perry Competition will also take place during the Festival. Open to producers from Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, the competition covers four categories: draught and bottled cider, and draught and bottled perry – the latter made from pears using the same traditional method as cider.

Judging is conducted blind by a panel of publicans, cider makers, bar staff, and CAMRA cider volunteers, with at least 16 different local producers expected to take part.  All draught competition entries will also be available to sample at the Festival’s Cider Bar, which will feature around 100 different ciders and perries – around a quarter of which are locally made. These drinks will span a wide flavour spectrum: from delicate and fruity to robust, tannic, and oak-aged varieties, with strengths ranging from 3.9% to 8.4% ABV.

“It’s exciting to be planning the Cider Bar and the competition,” said Heather Stretton, Nottingham CAMRA Cider Representative. “Our team is passionate about helping people discover real cider and perry – there truly is something for every taste.”

CAMRA continues its commitment to real cider, so fruit-flavoured ciders won’t be available – instead, the focus is on showcasing the skill and variety that traditional cider makers bring to the table.

Tickets for the 2025 festival are available to purchase from £10, with season tickets also on offer for those wishing to attend more than one day of the flagship celebration.

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