THE city's biggest and best breweries are gearing up to showcase their latest tipples to thousands of people.
The Robin Hood Beer Festival is edging ever closer – beginning on Wednesday – and up to 30,000 people are expected to flock to Nottingham Castle to get their hands on the perfect pint.
Nottingham's dedicated beer-lovers have been busy brewing thousands of pints to fly the flag for the city.
Amanda Ward, managing director of brewer Blue Monkey, said the company was taking around 4,000 pints.
She said: "We've got our own stand in the main venue. We will have a few specials, which are particularly strong ones, like the Silverback, which is 10.6 per cent, and I expect people to go for that!"
Radford's Nottingham Brewery will also be making a major appearance, brewing a similar number of pints of its usual favourites Legend, EPA and Rock Bitter, among others.
Director Phil Darby said: "Not only is it a boost to our trade but it's also the pubs, the hotels and the number of people who come to Nottingham."
With around 5,000 pints to sell, a place in the main tent and its own tavern down the hill, Castle Rock brewery will be one of the biggest sellers at the festival.
Commercial manager Lewis Townsend said the brewery would also be launching its latest beer, Red Riding Hood – an American-style red ale brewed with new world hops.
"The festival is one of the biggest events on the calendar and we absolutely can't wait for it," he said.
"We will have 15 different beers, including our core range and some seasonal specials.
"It's good to be able to offer a range of beers to locals but also we get people from the whole country – it's one of the biggest in the country."
Organiser Steve Westby said final preparations were in full swing. "The big tents are all in place now, so the landmark of Nottingham is up there on the hill," he said. "I get a feeling of concern that there's so much to do as it's when all the hard work starts."
He added: "It is a great chance for local brewers, as about 25 per cent of the volume of beer sold is brewed within 20 miles of the castle, so they do well and they are well-promoted. Customers like to drink local beers."
