Popular Glossop North End Beer Festival under threat

Organisers of the Glossop North End AFC Beer Festival have thanked supporters for helping deliver the most successful event in the festival’s history, while warning that its future is under threat.

Following this year’s event, club officials revealed that the 2026 Beer Festival achieved both record revenue and record profit figures, surpassing the previous financial record set in 2022 by more than 40%

The popular community event attracted large crowds with real ale selling out by 6pm on the Saturday. Visitors enjoyed a packed programme featuring a football tournament, live music, food stalls and a dog show organised by Contented Canines.

In a statement, organisers praised the efforts of volunteers and supporters who helped make the festival a success: “Every single person who came through the gates played a part in making the event what it was” they said. “Events like this do not happen by accident. They happen because people care enough to give up their own time for the benefit of the club and the wider community.”

However, despite the record-breaking financial performance, club officials say the event faces significant challenges behind the scenes.

The Beer Festival is one of Glossop North End’s largest annual fundraising activities, generating income that helps sustain the club through the summer months and provides financial stability ahead of each new season. Organisers now warn that the event has become increasingly difficult to deliver due to a declining volunteer base. Many of those responsible for organising the Beer Festival are also heavily involved in running the football club throughout the year.

The club said an ageing volunteer workforce, combined with the physical demands of staging the event, is placing increasing pressure on a small number of dedicated individuals. They revealed that volunteers have experienced severe fatigue and, in some cases, temporary hospitalisation after pushing themselves to ensure the event’s success.

A provisional date has already been set for next year’s Beer Festival on Friday 28th May and Saturday 29th May 2027, but it cannot be guaranteed without a significant influx of new volunteers.

The club is now appealing for people to become involved in a range of roles, including bar staff, barbecue teams, event planning, entertainment coordination, sponsorship fundraising and site setup and takedown. “The Beer Festival is more than just a fundraiser” they said. “It is a community event. It is part of the town’s identity. It brings people together.

"The club remains committed to that future. We simply need more people to help us build it.”

You can read their statement in full at:

Club Statement - An Important Message About The Future of Our Beer Festival