Burton Ale Trail 2025: Beer, Community, and a Bat with Bite.
Burton upon Trent’s best-loved beer event is back — and bigger than ever. From 5th to 8th June, the Burton Ale Trail (BAT) will return for its eighth edition, uniting locals, ale lovers, and curious newcomers on a multi-day celebration of pints, pubs, and brewing pride.
By Harry Parker
What started as a modest grassroots event four years ago to help the pubs post-COVID has grown into a flagship feature of Burton’s cultural calendar — and with good reason. The BAT’s mission remains simple: celebrate Burton’s legendary brewing heritage, support local venues, and show the world why this town is still the beating heart of British beer.
“The idea behind the Ale Trail is simple – bring people together and encourage them to explore the rich variety of pubs we’re lucky to have in Burton,” says Ian Webster, organiser of the trail. “It’s never been about drinking as much as possible – it’s about enjoying the journey, supporting local landlords and breweries, and reminding people of the social value of a good pub.”
The Trail Grows Up
From its humble beginnings, the Burton Ale Trail has evolved into a meticulously planned, community-focused celebration. The dedicated free BAT app with collectible digital badges — has modernised the experience without losing its grassroots charm.
Marvin the Bat, the event’s now-iconic mascot, returns every time in a new form. This year he’s gone full Ozzy Osbourne, complete with throne, bat wings, and rock ‘n’ roll flair. The latest design has already caused a stir — with T-shirts flying off the shelves and locals embracing the darkly comic branding.
“We only run the trail once a year now. That lets us go bigger on design, hype, and logistics. Plus, it means the sun’s (usually) out, and we can spill into beer gardens and enjoy the longer days.”
New Pubs & Exclusive Beers
The 2025 trail will feature 14 venues, including returning favourites like The Dog, The Last Heretic, and The Weighbridge Inn, alongside two exciting newcomers: The Arches and Inn-Uendo’s, plus the welcome return of The Elms.
But the real star of this year? The beer. BAT 2025 boasts more exclusive and event-only brews than ever before. Highlights include: Outwoods Brewery (based at The Arches) unleashing six new beers, including the aptly named Crazy Train, co-brewed by Ian Webster himself.
Inn-Uendo’s debuting their Hoppy Ending IPA, The Weighbridge Inn reviving the multi award-winning Magnum Mild, in collaboration with 3Ps Brewery, Burton Bridge Brewery, Beeropolis, Coopers Tavern, and The Last Heretic all pouring exclusive or specials brews.
Trail-goers can vote for their favourite beers via the BAT app, with the most popular crowned “Best Beer on the BAT”.
Handy Tips for First-Timers
Whether you’re a seasoned Ale Trailer or new to the scene, a few tips can help you make the most of the weekend: Download the free BAT app at www.burtonaletrail.com and scan in at each pub, track your progress, earn digital badges, and vote on your top beers
Pace yourself. There are 14 stops — and no shame in opting for halves or mixing in soft drinks Join the Facebook group to share highlights, find your friends, and keep up with news
And don’t forget — there’s no entry fee. Just grab the app, follow the trail at your own pace, and soak up Burton’s best brews, history, and atmosphere.
Final Pour
The Burton Ale Trail 2025 promises to be the biggest and best yet — combining local pride, brewing excellence, and community spirit in a way only Burton can. Raise a glass. Support local. And let the trail begin.
Have a positive community story to share? Email Tom Drysdale at tom.drysdale@burtonecho.co.uk, and we’ll do our best to bring it to life!
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