Nethergate Brewery has been announced as the exclusive drinks partner for LeeStock Festival from 2026 — the same year the brewery celebrates its 40th anniversary.
From this year’s festival onwards, Nethergate will build and operate the main festival bar at LeeStock, supplying the full drinks range across the weekend event at Kentwell Hall.
While Nethergate has supplied real ales to LeeStock for many years, this expanded partnership will see the brewery take full responsibility for the festival’s main bar operations, from traditional cask ale and craft keg beers to lagers, ciders, wines, and soft drinks.
LeeStock, held annually over the late May Bank Holiday weekend, has become one of Suffolk’s standout music festivals. Established in memory of local musician Lee Dunford, the event has raised more than £200,000 for the Willow Foundation and other local causes since it began in 2008.
“As we head into our 40th year, it feels incredibly fitting to strengthen our ties with a festival that means so much to our community and local area,” said Rob Crawford general manager at Nethergate Brewery. “We’ve proudly been part of LeeStock for many years, but to now be entrusted with organising the main bar is a real milestone for us.
“We’re a local brewery with deep roots in this community. Many of our team and customers attend the festival every year, so this partnership feels like a natural next step.
“We’re looking forward to bringing our experience from running large-scale beer festivals and events to help make the weekend even smoother for festivalgoers.”
Andy Piper, of LeeStock, said: “We’re really pleased to be strengthening our partnership with Nethergate. Working with a local supplier that has a genuine vested interest in the event and the community behind it makes a real difference.
“We’re sure we can create an operation that not only meets the needs of the event, but extends choice for our visitors, while also helping us maximise the charity donation we’re able to make each year.”
