Wetherby Beer Festival 2026 – Bigger and Better Than Ever!

For the fourth time, Audioserv was delighted to return to Wetherby Beer Festival, providing complete sound, lighting, live video and technical event production for what the organisers described as their most successful festival yet.

Held on 1st and 2nd May 2026 at Grange Park in Wetherby, the popular Yorkshire beer festival has continued to grow with each event, and this year was certainly no exception.

Having been invited back to provide production on four occasions, we've seen first-hand just how much the festival has developed. However, the plans for 2026 were on a completely different scale.

With a marquee almost twice the previous length, a larger performance stage, live camera production, additional video screens and a huge outdoor LED video wall, this year's event presented some exciting new challenges for our production team.

The aim was simple: ensure that everyone attending Wetherby Beer Festival could enjoy the live entertainment, whether they were standing directly in front of the stage, relaxing towards the back of the marquee or enjoying the sunshine outside.

Here's how we brought it all together.

A Bigger Festival Calls for Bigger Production

One of the most significant changes for Wetherby Beer Festival 2026 was the size of the main marquee.

Previously measuring approximately 35 metres in length, this year's marquee stretched an impressive 65 metres, providing considerably more space for visitors, entertainment and festival activities.

With such a substantial increase in size, the technical production needed to grow alongside it.

The stage was also enlarged, giving performers more space while allowing us to create a more ambitious lighting design.

For 2026, we introduced an overhead truss structure positioned above the performance area. This allowed us to suspend the lighting equipment over the stage rather than taking up valuable floor space with additional stands and fixtures.

The result was a cleaner, more practical stage layout that provided greater flexibility for the wide variety of performers appearing throughout the two-day festival.

From acoustic singers and children's entertainment to full live bands, the larger stage proved particularly useful when accommodating different performance requirements and regular changeovers.

Bringing the Stage Closer with Live 4K Video Production

With the marquee now extending 65 metres, one of the organisers' main priorities was making sure visitors towards the rear could still enjoy everything happening on stage.

While the increased size was fantastic for accommodating more people, it also meant that those further away wouldn't necessarily have the same view of the performers.

Our solution was to introduce live multi-camera video production, allowing performances to be displayed on additional screens throughout the venue.

Using our Blackmagic 4K Pro cameras, we captured the live stage performances and fed the images into our vMix 4K video production system.

From here, our video engineers could manage the camera feeds and distribute the live pictures around the festival site.

Multiple 65-inch screens were suspended from the marquee roof structure, positioned along the length of the venue to provide additional viewing points.

This meant visitors could follow the entertainment on stage even when standing towards the back of the marquee.

For the video distribution, we used fibre-optic connections wherever practical, alongside a combination of NDI and SDI technology for transporting the camera signals.

The finished system provided a much more inclusive viewing experience, helping to connect the entire marquee with the live entertainment rather than limiting the best views to those closest to the stage.

Delivering Consistent Sound Throughout a 65-Metre Marquee

Providing quality sound coverage for a marquee of this size required a carefully considered approach.

For the main stage, Audioserv supplied a KV2 Audio professional PA system, with the main speaker stacks positioned on either side of the performance area.

KV2 systems are well suited to live music applications, providing the clarity and performance needed for everything from individual vocalists to full bands.

However, when dealing with a venue stretching 65 metres, simply increasing the volume of the main speakers isn't the ideal solution.

Instead, we designed a distributed audio system using additional RCF NXL 14-A column speakers, suspended from the marquee roof at strategic positions along its length.

These speakers acted as delay positions, providing additional sound reinforcement for visitors further away from the main stage.

By electronically time-aligning the RCF speakers with the main KV2 PA system, we were able to deliver a consistent and coherent audio experience throughout the venue.

The delay system meant visitors towards the back of the marquee could enjoy clear audio without those standing near the stage being subjected to unnecessarily high sound levels.

For front-of-house mixing, we supplied an Allen & Heath dLive S7000 digital mixing console, supported by a DM64 MixRack.

A separate Allen & Heath SQ7 mixing console was used for the performers' monitor mixes, allowing our engineers to manage their on-stage requirements independently of the main audience mix.

With a varied entertainment programme and multiple acts appearing over the weekend, this arrangement provided the flexibility needed to accommodate different bands, instruments and performance styles.

The combination of the KV2 main PA, time-aligned RCF delay speakers and Allen & Heath digital mixing systems ensured that the audio production could comfortably meet the demands of the larger festival.

An 18-Square-Metre Outdoor LED Video Wall

Perhaps the most noticeable addition to Wetherby Beer Festival 2026 was the installation of a huge outdoor LED video wall.

With visitors enjoying the festival both inside and outside the marquee, the organisers wanted to extend the live entertainment into the outdoor areas.

The solution was an impressive 6-metre-wide by 3-metre-high LED video wall, providing a total display area of 18 square metres.

For this installation, we used our 3.9mm pixel pitch LED video wall panels, creating a large, high-quality outdoor display capable of showing live camera feeds and sponsor advertising.

The festival organisers had kindly been donated the use of a curtain-sided trailer for the weekend, giving us an opportunity to create something a little different.

Our engineers designed and constructed a custom truss structure, using the trailer as part of the supporting and ballasted installation.

The LED video wall was then mounted onto the structure, creating a prominent outdoor screen overlooking the festival grounds.

As our 3.9mm LED panels are IP-rated for outdoor use, the system was suitable for the changing conditions that can accompany outdoor events.

Fortunately, the weather was particularly kind to Wetherby this year, with plenty of sunshine encouraging visitors to make use of the outdoor areas.

Throughout the weekend, the screen displayed a combination of sponsor advertising and live footage from the main stage.

This meant those enjoying the sunshine outside could still watch the performers without needing to return to the marquee.

To complete the outdoor experience, we installed a Turbosound speaker system on either side of the video wall, providing dedicated audio coverage for visitors watching the performances outside.

The combination of the large LED display, live camera production and outdoor audio system effectively created an additional entertainment area, extending the festival experience beyond the main marquee.

For other festivals and outdoor events, our LED video wall hire services offer flexible screen configurations suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Overcoming an Interesting Video Transmission Challenge

Every event presents its own technical challenges, and Wetherby Beer Festival 2026 was no different.

One particular challenge involved getting the live video feed from our vMix production system inside the marquee to the large outdoor LED video wall.

Normally, running a suitable video connection between the two locations would be relatively straightforward.

However, there was one small complication.

The video signal needed to cross an area of newly laid grass on the rugby pitch, and running cables across this area wasn't an ideal solution.

Rather than introducing an unnecessary cable route, we decided to use one of our wireless video and audio transmission systems.

These systems are capable of transmitting video and audio signals over distances of up to one mile, making them particularly useful for temporary event installations where conventional cabling may be difficult or impractical.

We established a wireless link between the main production area and the outdoor video wall, allowing us to transmit the live programme without running additional cables across the pitch.

With the distance involved being considerably less than the system's maximum range, the rugby pitch presented no problem.

It's a good example of the practical challenges that arise during event production and how having access to the right equipment can help provide an effective solution.

A New Stage Lighting Design for 2026

With the stage increasing in size, we also had the opportunity to develop a more extensive event lighting design for this year's festival.

The new overhead truss structure gave us considerably more flexibility when positioning fixtures, allowing us to provide a better overall stage wash alongside moving lights, audience effects and decorative lighting.

Our lighting system incorporated a mixture of professional fixtures, including BeamZ Pro Tiger MK3 moving heads, BeamZ Pro Nereid 760 Zoom Wash fixtures, BeamZ Pro SB220IP blinders, American DJ Jolt Panel FX fixtures and BeamZ Pro LCB400IP battens.

This combination gave our lighting engineers plenty of creative options throughout the weekend.

For the acoustic performers, we could provide a more subtle lighting arrangement, using controlled washes and colour combinations to complement the music.

As the entertainment progressed into the evening, the lighting design could become considerably more energetic, with moving beams, effects and audience-facing fixtures helping to build the atmosphere.

Control of the lighting system was provided by our Avolites Titan Mobile lighting console and wing, communicating via Art-Net to two dedicated Art-Net nodes positioned at the stage.

This gave our lighting engineers comprehensive control of the fixtures and allowed lighting scenes to be adapted to suit each performance.

The improved stage layout and expanded lighting rig made a noticeable difference to the overall production, particularly during the evening's headline performances.

Two Days of Live Music, Country Entertainment and 90s Classics

Of course, all the technical production in the world means very little without some great entertainment to bring it to life!

Wetherby Beer Festival 2026 certainly delivered on that front, with a packed programme of live music and entertainment spread across the two days.

Friday – Country Music Night

Friday evening saw the festival introduce its first dedicated Country Music Night, bringing a different atmosphere to the opening night.

The entertainment featured a Shania Twain tribute performed by Maddie, alongside Hurricane's tribute to Luke Combs.

Non-Stop Nashville also joined the Friday evening line-up, bringing a lively country music performance to the festival.

With country favourites filling the marquee, the opening evening provided a fantastic opportunity to put the expanded sound and lighting systems to work.

Saturday – Live Music and Family Entertainment

Saturday brought another full programme of entertainment, with the festival opening its doors to families and visitors of all ages.

The afternoon featured local performers Dan Kelly, Sam Hasson and Muldoon, alongside award-winning country band The Bondurants, who continued the country music theme.

As the day progressed, the entertainment moved towards some familiar chart favourites.

A Sabrina Carpenter tribute performed by Lauren G was followed by a tribute to Sam Fender performed by Jack Johnson, providing plenty of variety across the afternoon and evening.

Throughout the day, the stage also hosted family entertainment, helping to make the festival an enjoyable experience for younger visitors.

For our sound and lighting engineers, the changing programme meant regularly adapting the production to suit different performers, from individual singers through to full live bands.

A 90s Finale with The Cassettes

The final performance of the weekend came courtesy of The Cassettes, bringing the festival to a close with a set packed with 90s dance music and familiar classics.

It was the perfect opportunity to make full use of the stage lighting rig, with the combination of moving heads, blinders and LED effects helping to create the atmosphere for the festival's finale.

With the KV2 sound system delivering the music throughout the marquee and the live camera feeds allowing visitors further back to follow the performance, it was a fantastic way to round off two days of entertainment.

Supporting a Festival That Gives Back to Wetherby

One of the things that makes Wetherby Beer Festival particularly special is its connection with the local community.

The festival is organised by volunteers and raises funds to support Grange Park Sports Club and grassroots sport in Wetherby, alongside other charitable fundraising opportunities.

Bringing together local businesses, sponsors, performers and visitors, the event has become an important occasion in the Wetherby calendar.

From the wide selection of beers and ciders to the live entertainment, street food and family activities, the festival offers much more than simply a weekend of beer tasting.

For Audioserv, it's particularly rewarding to contribute to an event that brings so many people together while supporting local sporting facilities and community initiatives.

Four Events, One Growing Festival

Following the event, the Wetherby Beer Festival organisers told us that 2026 had been their most successful year yet.

Having now provided the technical production for four Wetherby Beer Festival events, we're delighted to have played a part in helping the event develop and accommodate its continued growth.

Each festival has brought new requirements, but the scale of the 2026 production was particularly exciting for our team.

From the expanded stage and lighting system to the time-aligned audio coverage, live camera production and huge outdoor LED video wall, this year's event demonstrated just how much can be achieved with careful planning, professional equipment and experienced technical engineers.

It's also a great example of the benefits of having a single event production company responsible for coordinating the sound, lighting and video systems.

By bringing these elements together, we were able to create a fully integrated production that supported the organisers' ambitions and improved the overall festival experience.

We'd like to say a huge thank you to the Wetherby Beer Festival organisers for once again trusting Audioserv to deliver the technical production.

It's always a pleasure working with the team, and we're already looking forward to the possibility of returning in 2027 to help make the festival even bigger!

Planning a Beer Festival, Live Music Event or Outdoor Festival?

Whether you're organising a beer festival, outdoor concert, community celebration or large-scale live music event, Audioserv can provide the professional equipment and technical expertise needed to bring your plans to life.

Our services include professional PA system hire, event lighting, LED video walls, live video production, staging and complete technical event production.

With over 20 years of industry experience, our team can help design and deliver a production tailored to your venue, audience and budget.

Planning your next event? Get in touch with Audioserv to discuss how we can help.