Raise a glass to return of popular Moorlands beer festival

What do the Sumerian Goddess of Beer, German oompah bands and candied sugar skulls have in common?

You may be surprised to hear that the answer is the Moorlands town of Leek during the first weekend in November!

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November see the return of the Sumerian Goddess Ninkasi, for the popular female-friendly beer festival which launched last year and celebrates women in pubs.

Pubs and bars will be offering their finest ales as part of the Real Ale Trail where trailers will be able rate the beers and vote for their favourite two. Scoring sheets will be entered into a prize draw. Sheets will be available from participating pubs.

And this year, inspired by Leek resident Ali, a Mexican national, the weekend will also feature music, processions and calavera (sugared skulls) to mark the annual Mexican festival of 'Dia de los Muertos' (Day of the Dead) when people gather together to remember and pay respects to family members and friends who have died.

As if that wasn't enough of a feast for the senses, a German oompah band will also be performing in the new-look Trestle Market where people can also enjoy food and drink from Germany.

Councillor Bill Cawley, Cabinet member for Communities, said: "We're fortunate in the Moorlands to have so many activities that residents and visitors can enjoy - the beer festival is just one of them.

"As well as welcoming Ninkasi back to Leek again for the second year, we're expanding the event to embrace cultures and traditions from around the world.

"It promises to be a colourful and very enjoyable weekend and I hope to see plenty of people in the town supporting our local businesses, hostelries and markets, celebrating the hop and good cheer, and experiencing the food, music and fashion of the Moorlands, Mexico and Germany."

Find out more by following Staffordshire Moorlands Tourism on Facebook.

Published on 16 October 2025