Carlsberg Marston's Brewery celebrates 50th anniversary in Northampton
The Carlsberg Marston’s Brewery was the first built outside of Denmark in Europe.
Last updated 13th May 2024
Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company is celebrating 50 years of brewing in Northampton having opened on 10th May 1974.
To celebrate the anniversary on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 May the company lights up both the iconic, 418-foot tall National Lift Tower in Northampton and the brewery’s own silo; visible around the town, in Carlsberg green.
Over the past half century, it’s estimated that the Carlsberg Brewery in Northampton has brewed around 28 billion pints of beer – enough to fill more than 6,000 Olympic swimming pools, or to fill Wembley Stadium four times!
Around 2 million pints are brewed every day at the brewery, including brands like San Miguel, 1664 Bière and the Carlsberg Danish Pilsner.
The brewery currently employs around 230 people. Since 2018, they've run an engineering apprenticeship scheme.
A special ceremony took place at the brewery earlier on Friday which saw both historic and modern items from the brewery buried in a custom time capsule, to be opened on the brewery’s 100-year anniversary.
More events are planned throughout the year. As supporters of the Northampton Hope Centre – also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year – CMBC is organising a sponsored colleague abseil down the National Lift Tower in June to raise funds for this local cause.
The brewery was designed by renowned architect Knud Munk in 1970, who was set the task of envisioning what the first Carlsberg’s built in Europe outside its home country of Denmark should look like. Munk produced a striking, bold design inspired by the Danish longships of their shared home country, which went on to win the prestigious Financial Times Industrial Architecture Award in 1975.
Paul Davies, CEO of CMBC, said, “We are extremely proud of everything the Carlsberg Brewery in Northampton has achieved over the last 50 years – brewing and packaging some of the country’s most beloved and popular beer brands.
“I would like to personally thank all of our current brewery team, and all those who have worked at Northampton throughout its 50-year history for their incredible contribution. I am eager to build on the brewery’s industry leading accomplishments over the last half a century in areas including sustainability, quality and innovation, ensuring the next 50 years will be even more successful.”
Jacob Aarup-Andersen, CEO of Carlsberg Group, said, “As the first brewery Carlsberg built outside of Denmark in Europe, the Carlsberg Brewery in Northampton holds a special place in our history. The UK has a unique heritage and cultural connection to beer and pubs, which play such a role in its communities. The brewery helps to keep this tradition strong and thriving, and this exceptional milestone is a proud moment to reflect on our journey and the many exciting opportunities the future holds.”