Beer Fest Success for a joint venture of five Nottinghamshire organisations

The Galleries of Justice Museum, at The Shire Hall, one of Nottingham’s most historic and iconic buildings in The Lace Market, took a great leap of faith with their first ever beer festival, in September this year.

The old Edwardian Police Station and Reform School – areas where there is normally no public access – were temporarily transformed into a buzzing, festival of nearly 40 fine ales and ciders which were enjoyed by over 500 visitors. The event had been discussed and planned for months but it could not have taken place without the support of Nottingham CAMRA and generous sponsorship from Alea Casino, Michael Wisher Associates and members of The Nottinghamshire Law Society.

Nottingham CAMRA worked closely with the team at the Galleries of Justice to choose appropriate ales and set up the festival which also included an exclusive event for the Nottinghamshire Law Society the evening before the public event.

Pauline Armstrong, from the Nottinghamshire Law Society, commented:
‘Oh what a night… as the song goes! The beer festival was a huge success with nearly 200 of our members in the Galleries of Justice courtyard sampling the fine ales on offer. I don’t think there was ever so much fun had in the Reform School, Police Station and exercise yard! The ghosts of prisoners past must have been more than a little envious to see the beer flowing. My email box has been inundated with requests to make this a regular event. I have a feeling this is destined to be our most popular event yet.’

Mark Hands from Alea Casino said:
‘The beer festival provided Alea Casino with the perfect opportunity to support the Galleries of Justice Museum and to work with them to our mutual benefits. I applaud the work done with young people at the museum and how they aim to keep kids away from crime and out of prison. I was fortunate enough to sample some of the ales and also to join the new Ghost Tour with the very enigmatic Lilith!’

Nottingham-based Michael Wisher & Associates generously co-sponsored the ‘Law… and Order More Beer Festival’ at the Galleries of Justice Museum.

Michael Wisher, director, said:
‘Our aim is to help the Galleries of Justice Museum appeal to new users and visitors. I am delighted that the event attracted so many to the old Shire Hall. Visitors will have left with a better understanding of the museum, the charity and the fabulous educational work which goes on there every week.’

Nicola Burley, Director of Enterprise and Operations at the museum said:
‘I am absolutely delighted that our first ever beer festival was such a runaway success. As a charitable organisation we are extremely grateful for the fantastic support we have received through sponsorship from local businesses and from the public.’