After last year’s innovative real ale trail around Colne, organisers, volunteers and attendees alike were thrilled to see the Pendle Beer Festival back at its traditional home, at the Muni Theatre in Colne.
Organised by East Lancashire CAMRA, in support of Pendleside Hospice, the event which went into its 18th year, was held from 30th January to 1st February 2025, bringing together almost 2,000 beer lovers, live music enthusiasts, and community supporters for a weekend of celebration and fundraising.
The festival’s return brought together an impressive selection of over 90 real ales, ciders, and craft beers, drawing beer lovers from far and wide. Live music, curated by the Colne Blues Society, added to the vibrant atmosphere, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
This year’s festival continued its dual mission of supporting Pendleside Hospice and championing the aims of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. For 18 years, the Pendle Beer Festival has served as a platform to showcase high-quality real ale, support local breweries, and preserve British pub culture. CAMRA’s goals of promoting real ale and advocating for consumers in the UK beer and drinks industry were at the heart of the event, which drew attendees from across Lancashire and beyond.
“The Pendle Beer Festival is a celebration of everything CAMRA stands for,” said Festival Organiser, Paul Brown. “It’s about more than just beer—it’s about supporting local breweries, preserving our pubs, and creating a space where people can come together as a community. This year, being back at the Muni made it extra special. We’re so grateful to everyone who made it a success, and as always, it’s an honour to be able to support the hospice; a charity very close to many of our hearts.”
Pendleside Hospice has been the chosen charity partner for more than a decade. During this time, the festival has raised over £60,000—an astounding sum that has supported the hospice’s work of providing care and support to people living with advanced, long-term, and life-limiting illnesses in Burnley and Pendle. This year alone, the event is estimated to have raised an impressive £5,000, further enabling Pendleside to continue its essential services, including inpatient care, hospice at home support, health, wellbeing and rehabilitation services, and bereavement counselling.
Leah Hooper, Pendleside Hospice’s Community Engagement Officer, praised the festival’s commitment to the Hospice, “It’s incredible to see the community come together like this,” Leah said. “The Pendle Beer Festival plays a vital role in our fundraising efforts and we’re so grateful to CAMRA, our dedicated sponsors, and everyone who attended or volunteered. The funds raised will go directly to helping our patients and their families.”
The 2025 festival also highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses. Many of the beers and ciders on offer were sourced from regional breweries, reinforcing CAMRA’s mission to champion independent producers. Over 50 sponsors, ranging from Barnoldswick to Clitheroe, were instrumental in the festival’s success—helping to cover operational costs and ensuring that the maximum possible funds could be donated to Pendleside Hospice.
“The atmosphere throughout Colne was incredible all weekend—great beer, fantastic music, and an amazing sense of community,” said one festival-goer. “It’s brilliant to see everyone coming together to support local breweries and Pendleside Hospice. You can really feel the heart of the community in events like this.”
Plans are already underway for next year’s event, scheduled to take place from Thursday, 29th to Saturday, 31st January 2026. If you’d like to support Pendleside Hospice by sponsoring a barrel, please reach out to Leah Hooper at [email protected]. Sponsorship is a fantastic way to back a local cause, with your name or company prominently displayed throughout the weekend and shared online. Plus, sponsors receive free tickets and a couple of drinks to enjoy during the festivities.