This year marks our eighth time doing it together and I’m chuffed to say, it’s another cracker.
Brewed with Nethergate’s talented Alex Southam, this year’s beer is a golden ale, hoppy and crisp, sitting nicely at 4.1%. It’ll be on sale from 5th May at Nethergate’s Long Melford taproom, and with 6500 pints brewed, there should be plenty to go round. Even better, proceeds from sales at the taproom and across their network of pubs will support both LeeStock and the Willow Foundation.
We ran a little competition earlier this year to name the beer, and what a response! Over 100 name ideas came in, with some brilliant ones among them. Together with Nethergate’s Head Brewer, Ian, we shortlisted our favourites before LeeStock organisers made the final choice.
The winning name?
Dunford Drop - a nod to Lee Dunford, the inspiration behind LeeStock. A perfect fit.
This year, for the first time, we also offered someone the chance to join us on brew day as the brewer’s assistant’s assistant (yes, really).
Steven Dark from Long Melford won the spot and got properly stuck in. According to Steven, it was a fun, hands-on day filled with laughs and a fair bit of learning, not to mention a great cause at the heart of it all.
As Ian from Nethergate put it: “I thought I had a high passion for hoppy golden beer until I met Penny.” Not sure if that’s a compliment or a warning, but I’ll take it!
LeeStock returns to Kentwell Hall on 24th and 25th May. It’s raising money for the Willow Foundation, which gives unforgettable days to seriously ill young adults. The line-up is looking strong with Boney M, Maximo Park and Sleeper headlining. It’s always an amazing weekend, and it means a lot to be part of it.
If you’re heading to the festival, make sure you try Dunford Drop. It’s brewed with care, laughter, and a lot of heart ..and it all goes to a good cause.
