Beer Fest Returns and raises £26,000 for Henshaws!

After the phenomenal success of 2023, Henshaws Beer Fest made a triumphant return to Knaresborough, delivering a fun-filled weekend for attendees while raising an incredible £26,000 for our charity!

Henshaws is an integral part of the Knaresborough and Harrogate community, with our Specialist College and unique Arts and Crafts Centre providing essential learning spaces for people with a range of disabilities. The Beer Fest is a fantastic fundraiser that helps us continue offering these life-changing opportunities.

A Weekend to Remember at Henshaws Beer Fest

On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May, the Beer Fest treated visitors to two family-friendly daytime events followed by an exclusive adult-only evening session, offering a diverse and unforgettable experience for all ages. We welcomed an impressive 726 attendees who enjoyed over 3,000 drinks, 27 incredible musical performances—including our very own Henshaws Hotspots band—and a host of renowned local artists. With 14 amazing local vendors, the event was a roaring success.

Celebrating Yorkshire’s Finest

This year, the Beer Fest boasted 30 handpicked beers, gins, wines, and ciders, all proudly crafted in Yorkshire. Local breweries such as Cold Bath Brewing, Daleside, Harrogate Brewing Co, Roosters, and Turning Point united once again to offer the best in beer. We also featured delicious gin from Slingsby, the popular Harrogate brand, and wine and fizz from Yorkshire Heart Vineyard. We love working with these fantastic local businesses to promote the amazing produce Yorkshire has to offer.

Gratitude to Our Sponsors

Evelyn Partners, our proud sponsors this year, expressed their excitement and support for the Beer Fest and Henshaws impactful work. Viki Herrtage, Associate Director of Evelyn Partners, stated, “We are thrilled to support this fabulous local event and the wonderful work that Henshaws does for people living with sight loss and other disabilities.”

Title Sponsor: Evelyn Partners

T-Shirt Sponsors: Insite Property Solutions

Raffle Sponsor: Harmony Energy

Barrel Sponsors: Know RO | Sign Hub Harrogate | Knaresborough Chamber

Wristband Sponsor: Jones Myers Family Lawyers

Gin Shack Sponsor: Hart Law LLP

Stage Sponsor: Your Harrogate

Corporate Partners: Appletons Butchers | Greenwood Solicitors | Corecom Consulting | Cargill | Entech Commercial | HMCA | Knaresborough Kitchens | Rudding Park Hotel | Transdev

Drink Suppliers: Cold Bath Brewing Co | Daleside | Harrogate Brewing Co | Roosters Brewing Co | Turning Point Brewing Co | Black Sheep Brewery | Britvic | Slingsby Gin | Alcohol Free Drinks Company | Yorkshire Heart

Raffle Prize Donors: Amanda Shepherd | Bolton Castle | Cannon Hall Farm | Luscombe Gray | Himalayan Gardens | Horizon Tanning | Mama Doreen’s | Ripon Races | North Yorkshire Moors Railway | Betty’s and Taylors of Harrogate | Northwood Fairy Trail | Sewerby Hall and Gardens |
Devonshire Barbers

Food Vendors: Burger X | Black Canvas | Sparkle and Magic | Henshaws Cafe

Musicians:  Captain And The Bear | Crafted In Rock | DJ Rory Hoy | Drop Leg Steppers | Keeper Of Bees | Lence | Leo Hicks | Lochlan Shaw | Lydia Bousfield Trio | Mutual Subjects | Pepperhead | Rufus Beckett | Stray Dogs | The Lights | The OD’s | The Stellar Anderson Project | Hamish Harper | Harrogate Spa Town Ukes | Henshaws Hot Spots | James And Michael | Oliver Liptrott | S.M.I.F.F | Shindig DJs | Tyler Carter | Voice Of The People

Photography: Mike Whorley Photography

All volunteers across the weekend who without their support the event wouldnt happen!

A Word from Our Senior Fundraiser

Flora Simpson, Senior Fundraiser at Henshaws, expressed her gratitude: “What an incredible Beer Fest we were able to hold for the local community and beyond. It was so great to showcase everything that Henshaws has to offer as well as celebrating what a special place Knaresborough is. We are so grateful for all the support we received from our sponsors, volunteers, vendors, musicians, and attendees. Your contributions have helped us raise such an amazing amount, which will go towards the services we offer across the North of England.

Cheers to Community and Support!

The Henshaws Beer Fest 2024 was a celebration of community, music, and great beers, all in support of an inspiring cause. Cheers to a weekend of celebration and support for Henshaws’ incredible work!

Henshaws graphic with pink and purple shapes

Learn how to get involved

From fundraising events to volunteering, there are plenty of ways to give to make a difference at Henshaws

Accreditations & Awards