North Brewing fundraising as ticket firm enters administration

09-Sep-2022 - Last updated on 09-Sep-2022 at 09:10 GMT

Happier times: North Brewing Co at The Publican Awards earlier this year

Craft beer brewer and bar operator North Brewing Co has launched a fundraising campaign after the business that was providing tickets for its inaugural beer festival went into administration, leaving North £25,000 out of pocket.

The Leeds-based business, which has won numerous accolades at The Publican Awards, has already received pledges worth in excess of £11,000 with individuals giving money and donations from sector companies including Left Handed Giant, Bundobust, Gipsy Hill, Northern Monk, Wylam and Fyne Ales.

On North Brewing Co’s Go Fund Me page, the brewer explained its first beer festival – The Springwell Sessions –would feature beers from a range of craft breweries, natural wine, proper coffee, street food and cocktails.

Money is frozen

It continued: “Unfortunately, our ticket provider Event Genius (parent company Festicket) has gone into administration. As a result, all money for our future events has been frozen in their bank accounts, meaning that they can neither issue refunds nor pass the money to us.

“This, of course, has left us feeling shocked. This development has completely blindsided us with them continuing to sell tickets until Monday despite having filed a moratorium on 24 August.

“This crowdfunder will allow us to go ahead with the event and protect ticket holders. We are determined to deliver the event that we promised.”

Charity money also unavailable

North said the ticket money was being spent on vital infrastructure for the event, including items such as beer, toilets and fencing.

It added more than £2,000 had already been raised for its partner charity St Georges Crypt through this event and this money was also no longer accessible.

However, North vowed the event will go ahead through the fundraising bid and ticket holders would be protected. It added: “We will deliver the event that we promised.” And added it would donate 10% of all money raised to St Georges Crypt.

North said: “It feels tough out there for businesses and households right now and holding a beer festival in a brewery has never felt more needed. We all need to let off some steam and raise more important funds for charity than ever. We are down but not out.”

Event Genius was contacted for comment before publication.