A celebration of ale, cider and prosecco in one of Warwick’s most historic landmarks
The Lord Leycester Beer Festival returns to Warwick in February, with organisers aiming to build on last year’s fundraising success to support of one of the town’s most historic buildings.
The festival will take place on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st February in the Great Hall of The Lord Leycester, the 14th-century timbered building on Warwick’s High Street.
Organised by Warwick Court Leet, the festival raises funds for The Lord Leycester, which considered one of the oldest military charities in the country. The charity provides accommodation and support for retired service men and women and manages while also maintaining the historic site.
Last year’s festival raised £7,683 with funds contributing to the upkeep of the Grade I listed building. Organisers say the result demonstrated the importance of community-led fundraising in sustaining both charitable services and historic buildings.
Across the two-day event, visitors will be able to sample 20 beers and ales, alongside eight ciders, and sample sparkling wine from the prosecco bar. The selection is intended to appeal to a wide audience, from those with an interest in traditional ales to people looking for lighter or alternative options.
The event takes place entirely within The Lord Leycester’s Great Hall, allowing visitors to experience the building as a social space rather than solely as a heritage attraction. The hall has historically been used for gatherings, banquets and civic events, and organisers say the festival continues that tradition in a modern context.
Richard Eddy, of Warwick Court Leet, said the event was designed to balance social enjoyment with a clear charitable purpose:
“The beer festival provides an opportunity for people to enjoy an event in a historic setting while directly supporting The Lord Leycester and the retired service men and women who live there. Last year’s incredible total of almost £7,700 showed how much goodwill there is towards the charity and the building.”
Richard added that the venue itself was central to the appeal of the festival. “The Great Hall has been a place for people to gather for centuries. Hosting the festival there allows people to connect with that history in a way that feels natural and accessible.”
The Lord Leycester operates both as a residential community and a visitor attraction. The retired service people live independently within the historic complex while receiving support from the charity. Income from tourism, private events and fundraising activities, such as The Lord Leycester Beer Festival, plays a key role in meeting the costs of building maintenance and resident support.
The 2026 The Lord Leycester Beer Festival will run from 4pm to 10pm on Friday 20th February, and from 12 noon to 10pm on Saturday 21st February. Tickets, which include entry, a festival glass and tasting notes magazine, are available online at warwickbeerfestival.com and in person from The Lord Leycester ticket office (High St, Warwick), Warwick Visitor Information Centre (Jury St, Warwick), and Torry’s Hardware & DIY on West Street, Warwick.
Organisers are encouraging advance booking, particularly for the Friday evening session, which has been popular in previous years. Advance tickets are available for £8, while on-the-door tickets are £10 if capacity allows.