Golden Lion’s ‘Live at the Lion’ Festival Smashes Records with Biggest Crowd Yet
The Golden Lion in Rossett once again proved why it is one of Wrexham’s most popular community pubs after its seventh annual Live at the Lion festival attracted record numbers over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The Hydes-owned pub welcomed 4,000 people across the four-day event, making 2025 the biggest and most successful festival to date. Crowds enjoyed a packed programme of music, food and drink, with highlights including standout performances from The Cover Lovers, Manilla Times, Maria Mihailik, and Brad Hunter and The Afterparty. The festival closed on Bank Holiday Monday with a nostalgic 80s disco that kept hundreds of revellers on their feet to the very end.
The event also raised funds for Bowel Cancer UK, with the opening night’s Big Fat Tipi Music Quiz and other fundraising activities generating £1,700 for the charity to date. The fundraising effort was led by locals Rob and Gill Ratcliffe.
General manager Allan Parrington, who has managed the pub since 2009, said: “This year’s Live at the Lion has exceeded all expectations. The atmosphere across the weekend was incredible, with families, friends, and music lovers of all ages coming together to celebrate. The calibre of the artists all performing thanks to High Society Music Promotions was exceptional, and the feedback we’ve received has been overwhelming. I’d like to thank my team, Hydes Brewery, and of course the community, who continue to make this festival such a huge success. Live at the Lion has grown year after year, and 2025 has been a real milestone in that journey.”
Adam Mayers, managing director of Hydes Brewery, added: “The Golden Lion is a shining example of how pubs can be at the very heart of their communities. Live at the Lion is not only a fantastic celebration of live music and great beer but also a brilliant fundraiser that brings people together for a good cause. We’re incredibly proud of Allan and his team for delivering another record-breaking festival and we look forward to seeing it continue to grow in the years to come.”
With its biggest attendance yet and an ever-expanding reputation, Live at the Lion has cemented itself as a must-attend event in the Wrexham calendar. Allan and his team are already turning their thoughts to 2026, with expectations running high after another unforgettable weekend.
Hydes Brewery, founded in 1863 and based at Media City, Salford, remains proudly independent and operates over 40 pubs across the North West and North Wales, continuing to invest in its estate and the communities it serves.
To find out more about Hydes Brewery visit https://www.hydesbrewery.com/
