Sun shines for the Hunslet Nelson Beer Festival

It was a gloriously sunny day on the first day of the 2nd Annual Hunslet Nelson Beer Festival. The Beeston based Cricket club are celebrating their 150th year and over August Bank Holiday open up their Gipsy Lane ground for Beer, Food and Entertainment.

Ten guest Beers and ciders were on offer including the aptly titled Phoenix Sticky Wicket, Thornbridge Jaipur and Castle Rock Screech Owl.

A host of local Businesses, Councillors and Sporting clubs have sponsored the event including The Hunslet Club, Beeston St Anthonys FC, South Leeds Lakers Running Club, The Hunslet & Riverside Labour and Green Parties, Tetleys, James Latham, Raw Events and indeed, South Leeds Life.

As well as beer and food, entertainment in the form of music was provided by local artists Declan McNulty and Michael Dailey, both stalwarts of The Grove pub’s weekly Wednesday night Open Mic evening. Later on Mickey Two Tone, The Spoogs, Dean Finelli, Abstract and The Eight Track Heroes provided the tunes.

Whilst the adults indulged in beer, food and music, plenty of children were enjoying the sunshine with sporadic games of cricket, football and rugby taking place.

Later on in the evening the newly formed Hunslet Nelson Rounders Team invited people for an impromptu game. Rounders has really taken off at the Nelson and the team meets on a Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm and Sundays at 10am (Participants aged 16+ and costs £1 a session). Needless to say this reporter struggled to hit the ball, though I’ll blame bad light and excessive beer.

Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club is a very welcoming and family friendly club. Under 11’s and 13’s meet on a Monday, Under 9’s and Seniors on Tuesday, Under 17’s Thursday and Under 15’s Friday all at 6pm. For more information check out  www.hunsletnelsoncc.co.uk