Leeds’ iconic Tetley Brewery building is set to become the heart of the city’s brewing scene once again as it hosts The Great Exhibition of Prize Ales 2026. This marks a major milestone for the festival, which moves to the city centre for its fourth year, celebrating the announcement that Kirkstall Brewery has extended its stewardship of the historic site through Summer 2026 and beyond.
The event challenges breweries from across the UK to delve into their heritage and recreate historic recipes, transporting drinkers back in time. This year’s lineup features a mix of “traditional titans” and contemporary craft pioneers, including Timothy Taylor, Allsopp’s, DEYA, Marble, Anthology, and Lost Cause. Attendees will have a rare chance to sample local recipes, some hundreds of years old, brought back to life specifically for this exhibition.
Kirkstall Brewery plans to utilise the entire historic building along with the large outdoor space in Aire Park, transforming the area with bars, independent food vendors, and live music. The event will also see the return of the Prize Medals, where a panel judges the “best of the best.” Last year’s overall champion was the legendary Theakston’s Old Peculier, served traditionally “from the wood.”
Chris Hall, Brand Manager at Kirkstall Brewery, said:
“Bringing The Great Exhibition of Prize Ales to The Tetley feels very fitting indeed. The wonderful news that our lease of The Tetley has been extended offered an amazing opportunity to bring a celebration of historic beer to the home of brewing history in Leeds. Now in its fourth year, we are thrilled to bring this festival of beer, food and live music to the centre of Leeds, and shine a light on amazing brewers from across the UK who are bringing their A-game this year.”
Beyond the beer, the festival will host local food favourites like Niko’s Comfort Kitchen and The Aire Fryer, with live entertainment from acts including Alligator Gumbo and The Old Time Rags. For the first time, the festival’s new home also means the event will be dog-friendly.
Each ticket includes unlimited entry for a designated session, a commemorative glass, a festival programme, and a complimentary beer token. Following each session, attendees can head to a nearby Kirkstall Brewery venue for an official after-party, where showing the festival programme secures 20% off the first round of drinks.
Tickets are available now.
