York Merchant Adventurers’ Seek Local Business Sponsors for 2026 Charity Beer Festival

The Company of Merchant Adventurers’ is calling on local businesses to sponsor its charity Beer Festival, taking place on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th July 2026.

Now in its fourth year, the festival is a flagship public event that celebrates the city’s vibrant brewing scene while raising vital funds for the Merchant Adventurers Charitable Trust that supports educational initiatives for young people across the region.

The corporate sponsorship package provides local businesses with the opportunity to engage with a large audience in a community-focused setting and includes a full- page spotlight in the Beer Festival programme, company logo on all Beer Festival glasses, guest tickets and inclusion in marketing activity. The deadline for sponsorship applications is 9 April 2026.

For the third year running, local supporter Richard Menage returns as the main sponsor, continuing his commitment to a festival that brings the community together and showcases the impact businesses can have in supporting young people’s education.

Richard Menage, Chairman at Industrial Textiles & Plastics Ltd, said: “I’m delighted to support the Beer Festival once again this year. It’s a fantastic event that brings people together, champions local businesses, and most importantly, contributes to helping young people access wider educational opportunities through enterprise and innovation. It’s something the whole business community can be proud to support.”

Jim Richardson, Clerk of The Company of Merchant Adventurers’, added: “We have a long and proud history of supporting business and enterprise education. The generosity of our sponsors and attendees enables us to invest in young people and help create opportunities that can shape their futures.”

Last year, the event attracted 1500 festivalgoers to the iconic Merchant Adventurers’ Hall which dates back to 1357 and raised over £28,000 for the Education Trust. There were over 30 breweries in attendance across the two days showcasing over 90 ales, beers and lagers as well as a varied selection of local artisan producers. A gin showcase from Hooting Owl will be repeated as well as a Champagne and Wine bar for those who might like the vibe but prefer wine to Ale.

The money raised supports wide ranging initiatives including the ‘Merchant Adventurers’ Experience’ – a project launched in 2022 that has provided free interactive educational visits to over 3400 Key Stage 2 children from primary schools across the county. The Merchant Adventurers’ Business and Enterprise Course, in collaboration with the York Independent and State School Partnership (York ISSP) and University of York, has seen 100 year nine and ten pupils take part in a six-week course focusing on the skills needed to start a business from developing ideas, testing concepts, conducting market research to problem solving.

The charity supports excellence awards in York College and Derwent Training in Malton and supports the business faculties of both of York’s Universities.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can find further details and book their package by contacting Rebecca Francis at [email protected]