Good times are brewing at Gosforth Civic Theatre
A toast to community, craft beer, and culture – the Beer Festival returns to the venue next month
There’s something about an English summer weekend that calls for a cool pint, the hum of live music, and the gentle buzz of community.
Picture it: children weaving through craft stalls with painted faces, couples sharing tacos in the sunshine, groups of friends clinking glasses to the beat of a soul band. That’s the spirit of the programme for the Gosforth Beer Festival - a vibrant, family-friendly celebration that aims to pour far more than just beer into the heart of its community.
Back for 2025 and promising to build on the successful outings which have paved the way, the popular event at Gosforth Civic Theatre (GCT) is set to run from August 1 to 3.
After roaring back to life last year following a two-year hiatus, this year's festival looks ready to cement its place in Newcastle’s cultural calendar.
At its core, this is a festival with heart. Organised by the Gosforth Civic Theatre and the Liberdade Community Development Trust - a pioneering organisation giving people with learning disabilities the power and opportunity to shape their lives - the GCT Beer Festival is a true grassroots gathering.
Every pint poured and ticket sold helps fund inclusive creative opportunities for the local community. But that’s not the only reason to raise a glass.
Beer lovers are in for a treat, with more than 20 kegs and 10 casks of beer on offer from some of the best local and national breweries. Whether you’re partial to a punchy IPA, a smooth stout, or a crisp pilsner, there’s sure to be something on tap to suit your taste.
And for those who prefer their pints alcohol-free, there’ll be plenty of no and low-alcohol options, alongside a dedicated spirits and wine bar for good measure.
The wonderful whiff of wood-fired pizza from Fire & Dough will signal the start of proceedings at 4pm on Friday (Aug 1) alongside delightful smells from GCT’s own kitchen which will also be serving up refreshments throughout the weekend.
The evening’s crescendo comes courtesy of Jamagotchi, a local band with a cult following and a serious knack for 90s nostalgia. Expect indie anthems, dancefloor classics, and a crowd that won’t stop singing.
Saturday promises a full day of family fun and festival flavour. Mini Crafters will be on site offering creative workshops for little ones, while street food favourites Goodtimes Tacos bring the heat with fresh, flavour-packed dishes. More food options are expected, so visitors should prepare to be spoiled for choice. Or very full.
From 4.30pm, the Civic Theatre’s stage will host a parade of tuneful talent.
Singer-songwriters Hels Pattison and Georgia May will set the mood, followed by the electrifying Soul’d Out, a seven-piece band serving up a smooth blend of neo-soul, funk, RnB, and hip-hop.
By Sunday, the tempo mellows for a more laid-back vibe - but the performers remains top-notch.
From 1pm to 5pm, festival goers can enjoy Americana from Tommy Arch, rhythm and blues from The King Bees, and performances by two rising stars from the We Make Culture’s Young Musician’s Project. It's a fitting finale to a weekend that celebrates the region’s homegrown talent.
This year, for the first time, there’s a small entry fee of £5 for adults, which covers the entire weekend. It’s a modest price to pay for access to an event that blends entertainment with social impact. Every ticket helps support GCT’s work - not just putting on great events, but empowering people with learning disabilities to lead, create, and inspire.
Rob Huggins, CEO of Gosforth Civic Theatre, believes the festival captures everything that the venue stands for. “Gosforth Civic Theatre is like no other theatre in the country.
“This space exists because a group of people with learning disabilities had the vision to create it - to invite the community in and break down those societal barriers,” he explains.
“GCT Beer Festival has always embodied that ethos; the local area coming together as one in a venue they can hopefully be proud of to enjoy great food and drink, take in amazing live music and, in turn, continue to create social change.”
If you’re looking for a festival that balances quality programming, top-tier beer, and meaningful community impact, Gosforth Civic Theatre is promising to serve up a blend to suit.
Whether you're heading down for the music, the family activities, or simply to discover your new favourite brew, you can be assured of a warm welcome. Cheers to that.
For more information, visit the Gosforth Civic Theatre website.