Morley Beer Festival 12th Anniversary Easter Weekend 2026

Key Points

• The Morley Beer Festival, one of Leeds’ most popular community events, returns for its 12th anniversary over the Easter weekend in 2026.
• It promises to be the biggest edition yet, featuring an expanded selection of over 100 real ales, ciders, and craft beers from local and national breweries.
• Held at Morley Town Hall, the festival runs from Thursday 2 April to Sunday 5 April 2026, open to attendees aged 18 and over.
• Tickets are available now via the festival’s official website, with early bird prices offering savings before general sale increases.
• Family-friendly elements include non-alcoholic options, live music, street food vendors, and children’s activities during daytime sessions.
• Organisers highlight community spirit, with proceeds supporting local charities such as Morley Round Table and the town’s rugby club.
• New for 2026: A ‘Brewer’s Yard’ zone showcasing behind-the-scenes brewery talks and rare vintage ales.
• Accessibility features comprise step-free access, British Sign Language interpreters, and quiet hours for neurodiverse visitors.
• Past festivals have drawn over 5,000 attendees annually, fostering tourism and local business in Morley, West Yorkshire.
• Health and safety measures align with current UK licensing laws, including ID checks and designated driver initiatives.

Morley (The Leeds Times) March 9, 2026 – The Morley Beer Festival marks its 12th anniversary with its most ambitious programme yet this Easter weekend, drawing thousands to Morley Town Hall for a celebration of real ales, ciders, live entertainment, and community fundraising. Organisers have announced an expanded line-up of over 100 beverages, live music from local bands, and family-oriented activities, with tickets now on sale amid high anticipation from regulars and newcomers alike. This longstanding Leeds event underscores Morley’s vibrant community spirit as it returns bigger than ever from 2-5 April.​

What Is the History of the Morley Beer Festival?

The Morley Beer Festival began in 2015 as a modest gathering organised by local enthusiasts under the auspices of the Morley Beer Festival Committee. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Yorkshire Evening Post, the inaugural event featured just 40 ales but quickly gained traction for its welcoming atmosphere and focus on Yorkshire breweries.

“It started in a church hall with punters spilling out into the street,”

Jenkins quoted festival founder Tom Hargreaves as saying.

“Twelve years on, we’ve outgrown that – now it’s a proper town-wide party.”

Over the decade, the festival has evolved into a cornerstone of Leeds’ cultural calendar. According to a retrospective piece by Mike Thornton of the Leeds Live, attendance has surged from 800 in year one to over 5,000 by 2025, injecting £250,000 annually into the local economy through tourism and vendor sales. Thornton noted that the event’s growth coincided with the UK’s real ale renaissance, spotlighting breweries like Leeds Brewery and Salamander.

When and Where Is the 2026 Festival Happening?

Scheduled for Thursday 2 April to Sunday 5 April 2026, the festival unfolds over four days at the historic Morley Town Hall in Queen Street, Morley, Leeds LS27. Sessions vary: evening openings on Thursday and Friday (5pm-11pm), all-day Saturday (12pm-11pm), and a family-focused Easter Sunday afternoon (12pm-6pm). As detailed by event coordinator Lisa Patel in a Yorkshire Evening Post article,

“We’ve timed it perfectly for Easter bank holidays, giving families the daytime fun and adults the nightlife buzz.”

The venue’s grand architecture, with its high ceilings and marquee extensions, accommodates up to 2,000 visitors daily. Accessibility is prioritised, with ramps, wide aisles, and hearing loops confirmed by Morley Town Council spokesperson David Ellis.

“Morley Town Hall is fully equipped for all,”

Ellis stated in a council press release covered by the Morley Observer.

What Can Attendees Expect from the Beer Line-Up?

This year’s beverage selection boasts over 100 real ales, 50 ciders, and 30 craft beers, curated by the festival’s volunteer beer judges. Highlights include rarities from Magic Rock Brewing, proximity to Leeds, and guest spots from national names like Thornbridge and Fuller’s. Festival director Tom Hargreaves told the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Sarah Jenkins,

“We’ve sourced cask-conditioned gems you won’t find elsewhere – think barrel-aged sours and hop-forward IPAs.”

Non-alcoholic options abound for designated drivers and younger visitors, featuring alcohol-free ales from Big Drop and soft ciders. A new ‘Brewer’s Yard’ outdoor area offers tutored tastings and talks. As per Leeds Live’s Mike Thornton, “Last year’s winner, a smoky porter from Wharfebank Brewery, returns alongside 20 fresh picks voted by punters.”

Who Are the Key People and Organisations Involved?

The Morley Beer Festival Committee, chaired by Tom Hargreaves, leads the effort alongside volunteers from Morley Round Table. Sponsors include local firms like Morley Ford Garage and Leeds Brewery.

“Our team’s passion keeps this free for charities,”

said committee member Lisa Patel, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Proceeds benefit Morley Rugby Club, local hospices, and youth sports. Councillor Paul Karney of Leeds City Council praised the event in a statement to the Leeds Times: “It embodies West Yorkshire’s community ethos.” Performers include brass bands and folk acts, with street food from regional vendors.

How Do Tickets Work and What Are the Prices?

Tickets went on sale 1 March 2026 via the official site, morleybeerfestival.co.uk. Early bird pricing offers Thursday/Friday entry at £8 (rising to £12), Saturday at £12 (£18 gate), and Sunday family tickets (£25 for two adults and two children under 16). Under-18s enter free with a paying adult but cannot access bar zones.

As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Yorkshire Evening Post, “We’ve capped online sales to avoid queues – grab them quick.” ID checks apply, with Challenge 25 policy enforced. Group discounts and CAMRA member perks sweeten the deal.

What Entertainment and Food Options Are Available?

Live music spans brass bands, ceilidh sessions, and tributes to Oasis and The Beatles on Saturday night. The Main Hall hosts the bar, while the Ballroom features comedy and quizzes. Street food includes Yorkshire pies, vegan curries, and fish and chips from local favourites.

Family activities on Sunday comprise Easter egg hunts, face painting, and kids’ cider tastings (non-alcoholic). “It’s inclusive for all ages,” Lisa Patel assured the Morley Observer’s Jane Whitaker. “Daytime is wholesome fun.”

Why Is This Year’s Festival the Biggest Yet?

Organisers cite expanded capacity, a 20% larger bar, and the Brewer’s Yard as keys to bigness. Tom Hargreaves explained to Mike Thornton of Leeds Live, “Post-pandemic, we’ve bounced back stronger – more beers, bigger bands, better facilities.” Sustainability shines through reusable glassware and zero-waste pledges.

Attendance projections hit 7,000, per council estimates. The event boosts Morley’s profile amid Leeds’ tourism push.

“It’s our economic shot in the arm,”

said Morley Chamber of Commerce head Rachel Sims.

What Safety and Accessibility Measures Are in Place?

Robust protocols include stewarding by 50 volunteers, bag searches, and medical tents. Alcohol limits promote responsible drinking, with free water stations. Quiet sessions (2pm-4pm Saturday) cater to sensory needs, with BSL interpreters.

Leeds City Council licensing officer Mark Fowler confirmed to the Yorkshire Evening Post, “All complies with 2026 regulations – safe as houses.” Step-free access, parking shuttles from Leeds Railway, and autism-friendly zones ensure inclusivity.

How Has the Festival Impacted the Local Community?

Since 2015, it has raised £150,000 for causes like Morley Food Bank and youth clubs. Local traders report 30% sales spikes.

“It’s transformed Easter in Morley,”

said resident and volunteer Sue Bellamy, quoted by Jane Whitaker of the Morley Observer.

Tourism swells hotels, with coaches from York and Bradford. As Paul Karney noted,

“Community events like this knit us together.”

Future plans tease a 2027 spin-off in nearby Dewsby.

What Are Previous Attendees Saying?

Feedback glows. 2025 TripAdvisor reviews averaged 4.8 stars: “Best ale fest in Yorkshire!” raved John from Huddersfield. Criticisms? Minor bar queues. Organisers vow faster service via extra pumps.

Social media buzzes, with #MorleyBeerFest trending locally. “Unmissable,” tweeted influencer BrewYorks.