Ahead of Rail Ale festival's 25th birthday bash at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, here's a trip down memory lane in 21 photos

Lifestyle reporter

Published 7th May 2025, 15:18 BST

Updated 8th May 2025, 09:40 BST

Real ale drinkers will raise their glasses to celebrate the 25th birthday of a festival which is held in a unique Derbyshire location.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse will host a big party with a heady mix of brews from around the country and live music. The ticketed celebration starts at midday on Thursday, May 15 and rounds off at 6pm on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

To whet your appetite, here are some of our favourite Rail Ale photos from years gone by.

Rail Ale visitors in years gone by.

1. Rail Ale festival

Rail Ale visitors in years gone by. Photo: National World

Volunteers pulling pints at the festival in 2006 (photo by Jane Lefley)

2. Rail Ale festival

Volunteers pulling pints at the festival in 2006 (photo by Jane Lefley) Photo: Jane Lefley

NE Derbyshire MP Natascha Engel was a guest at Rail Ale 2009 when she was welcomed by Mervyn Allcock, manager of the Roundhouse and Kim Beresford, left, a Chesterfield CAMRA member and an organiser of the festival.

3. Rail Ale festival

NE Derbyshire MP Natascha Engel was a guest at Rail Ale 2009 when she was welcomed by Mervyn Allcock, manager of the Roundhouse and Kim Beresford, left, a Chesterfield CAMRA member and an organiser of the festival. Photo: Submitted

This happy couple married in the morning and held their wedding reception at Rail Ale. Do you know who they are and what year they tied the knot? (photo: Jane Lefley)

4. Real Ale festival

This happy couple married in the morning and held their wedding reception at Rail Ale. Do you know who they are and what year they tied the knot? (photo: Jane Lefley) Photo: Jane Lefley

Rail Ale Barrow Hill Roundhouse Derbyshire

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