North Leeds Charity Beer & Music Festival 2026

STROKE OF GENIUS BIG BAND; TOPAZ; ELEVATION AVENUE; POP N ROCK CHOIR; KINDA BLUE; SCOTT AND THE ANTARCTICS; SWAMP DONKEYS; SETLIST; THE SICK NOTES

The North Leeds Charity Beer & Music Festival 2026, organised by the Rotary Club of Roundhay, returns for a weekend packed with real ale, live music, great food, and community fun. Now in its 14th year, this festival has become a key date in the North Leeds calendar, combining a love of traditional Yorkshire cask ales with a full programme of live music, delicious food, family-friendly activities, and support for local and international charities. Since its launch in 2012, the festival has raised over £102,500, funding a wide range of community projects, youth initiatives, health and social care programmes, and Rotary Club initiatives.

Real Ale and Breweries
At the heart of the festival is a celebration of traditional cask-conditioned real ale. Attendees can sample a wide variety of ales from Yorkshire and regional breweries, including Kirkstall Brewery, Leeds Brewery, Ossett Brewery, Roosters Brewery, Wishbone Brewery, Craven Brew Co, Daleside Brewery, and Chin Chin. The festival caters to all tastes, with gluten-free and zero-alcohol beers available for those with dietary preferences. In addition, a separate gin and prosecco bar and a full club bar offer a range of alternative drinks for visitors.

Live Music – A Musical Feast
Music is a major highlight of the 2026 festival, making it a true celebration of live performance alongside ale.

Friday 10 April: The festival kicks off with big band jazz from the Stroke of Genius Band in the Marquee, delivering lively, classic jazz favourites. Following this, in the Club House, the acoustic trio Topaz brings smooth jazz and blues to set a relaxed evening mood. Later, festival-goers can enjoy an energetic set from Elevation Avenue, covering soul, funk, pop, and rock, providing a high-energy start to the weekend.

Saturday 11 April: Music continues throughout the day, beginning with the all-female Pop ‘n Rock Choir, followed by the acoustic jazz and blues trio CCEasy, offering a mix of smooth rhythms and classic tunes. Later, Kinda Blue, festival veterans, deliver electric blues, followed by the upbeat party vibes of Scott and the Antarctics, guaranteed to get the crowd moving.

The festival also features local school and alumni bands, including Roundhay School alumni the Swamp Donkeys, reunited after 33 years to play their indie-rock classics, and Setlist, a young rock band from Allerton Grange School showcasing the next generation of Leeds talent. The music wraps up with a high-energy set from Sicknotes of Cawood, performing a mix of rockabilly and modern classics with their new female vocalist.

Across both days, the festival offers a diverse range of music styles, from jazz and blues to soul, funk, indie, and rock, making it a must-attend event for music lovers of all ages.

Food and Drink
Delicious food is available throughout the festival, complementing the drinks and music. Festival favourites include Setchfield Butchers Pork Pie & Peas and Mrs Singh’s samosas, along with other street-food-style options. Children’s snacks are available during the family session, ensuring that visitors of all ages can enjoy something tasty.

Family-Friendly Saturday Afternoon
Saturday afternoon is dedicated to families, running from 12:00–5:30pm. Children can enjoy face painting, games, safe play areas, and interactive activities, while adults enjoy the music, ales, and food. Children attend free with a paying adult, making this session ideal for families seeking a fun and inclusive day out.

Dog-Friendly
The festival welcomes well-behaved dogs, so four-legged friends can join in the fun. Dog-friendly facilities ensure safety and comfort for pets and owners alike.

Charity and Community Impact
As a community-focused charity event, the North Leeds Charity Beer & Music Festival has a long-standing record of giving back. Proceeds from tickets, drinks, and sponsorships have raised over £102,500 since 2012, supporting local charities, community projects, youth initiatives, health and social care programmes, and Rotary Club international projects. Attending the festival helps make a tangible difference in the Leeds area and beyond.

Disabled Facilities: Activity areas; Doorways; Emergency exits; Finding and reaching the entrance; Parking; Social areas; Spectator areas;