FESTIVAL ENTERTAINMENT 2024
Newark Beer Festival is about more than drinking. A quality beer or cider is usually enjoyed more if it’s accompanied by a foot tapping tune or two and we have that perfect mix this weekend. Our talent scouts spend many nights scouring the land’s hot and sweaty venues in an attempt to find the right mix for washing down the ale and cider. Every year they bring us an entertaining mix of musical merriment. For those of you who prefer to sample their beers without music in the air, we have designated Friday afternoon as a music-free session. You’ll be able to enjoy your tipple in relative serenity until early evening!
Please note the list of performers and timings may be subject to last minute changes due to circumstances beyond our control.
Friday 24th May
3pm – QUIZ
Exercise your grey matter! Presented by Mark Taylor
6pm – Whistling Ducks
Some people think that Ducks don’t whistle but they probably haven’t seen them after they’ve consumed some quality real ale! The five-piece band play Classic Rock and Prog Rock from the golden era of the late 60s and early 70s. So expect to hear tracks from the likes of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Jethro Tull. And there will be a treat for anyone who has never experienced Atomic Rooster! This band of antique aficionados will be rocking ‘till they drop.
8:30pm – Free Spirit
Free Spirit is the East Midland’s premier party band, playing high energy, toe-tapping, booty-shaking pop, rock, disco and indie hits that will keep you singing along and dancing all night. The band was formed in 2023 by three former members of well-known local band, THE BUSINESS (Leigh Alexandra on lead vocals, Kelvin Rollitt on guitar & vocals and Nick Newsum on keyboards & vocals) with the addition of a solid rhythm section, consisting of amazing funk bass man Rob Stephens and rhythm maestro Jon Riley on drums & percussion.
This all adds up to a super talented, hugely experienced, completely live, party making machine delivering their wide repertoire spanning across genres with professionalism and gusto.
It’s all about the groove.
Saturday 25th May
3pm – QUIZ
Exercise your grey matter once more! Presented by Mark Taylor
4:00pm – Warren Ireland
Nottingham’s best looping artist.
Warren Ireland is a one man force of energy, lyrics and the occasional ad-libbing.
From start to finish, expect thumping beat-boxing, dexterous guitar playing and powerful vocals all wrapped up into one multi-genre package which is guaranteed to have you moving with your feet to the beat.
Going from strength to strength, the midland born performer is rising in popularity which has seen him headline Codfest, last year’s Here For The Music festival, Gig In A Field & D.H Lawrence Festival. Dancing shoes are mandatory. We’d also appreciate a few hands to hold down the stage because if previous performances are anything to go by, we might be stage shopping after the festival!
An absolute must see.
6pm – Just Rex
Just Rex is a recently established 5 piece covers band. Members Steve, Tim, Steve, Kev and Steve (yes, you counted 3 Steves!) have many years of musical experience, with some of us having played together as far back as the 80s!
We play music from a range of bands, from the Small Faces, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alex Harvey, Steely Dan, the Eagles, The Who and many others. We are all about playing for our audiences’ enjoyment as well as our own.
8:30pm – Beggars Belief
For two decades, Beggars Belief have been delivering electrifying performances that ignite stages and thrill audiences. This five-piece ensemble is more than just a band; they’re a musical force to be reckoned with, blending a diverse repertoire with an infectious energy that leaves crowds begging for more.
Drawing from the timeless catalogues of legendary acts like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles to the Britpop anthems of Pulp and Oasis, Beggars belief have crafted a signature sound that’s uniquely their own. Their renditions of classics are infused with a high-octane rocky edge, giving each song a fresh, exhilarating twist that keeps listeners on their feet.
With their sights set on delivering an unforgettable performance, they’re ready to rock and leave a lasting impression on audiences old and new at the Newark CAMRA Beer & Cider Festival. So get ready to experience the magic of Beggars belief – it’s a show you won’t want to miss.
Sunday 26th May
1pm – QUIZ
Exercise your weary grey matter! Presented by Mark Taylor
2pm – Open Mic
Some regulars at our local open mics performing some favourite songs.
Acknowledgements
Staging, P.A. and Lighting supplied and operated by Forefront Productions.
Quizzes researched, compiled and presented by Mark Taylor.