Dayla | Coopers Choice May June 2023 - hi res

Beer Festival Planning 51
Ahh, Beer Festival Season us upon us. It’s the perfect time to showcase some of your favourite
brews, or to deviate from your regular offering to stage an extended beer and cider option
for your guests. Setting up the perfect beer festival requires careful planning and attention to
detail. Here are some steps you can follow to ensure that your beer festival is a success:
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Before you start planning, it's important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with the festival.
Do you want to showcase local craft breweries? Do you want to raise money for a charity? Do you want to promote
a certain type of beer? Setting out your goals and objectives will help you make decisions throughout the planning
process.
Make sure the space you want to host the festival is easily accessible and has plenty of space for the number of
attendees you expect. If possible, ensure that you have covered area in case of bad weather, as we all know good
ol’ Blighty can throw us a meteorological curveball from time to time! Consider factors such as parking, additional
toilet facilities and electricity supply.
Choose the right date: Timing is important when it comes to a beer festival. Try to avoid scheduling your festival
on a date that conflicts with other major events in your area. Consider the weather conditions for the time of year
you plan to hold the festival, as well.
Select the breweries: One of the most important aspects of a beer festival is the selection of breweries. Look for a
mix of local and regional breweries, and consider including a few well-known breweries to draw in a larger crowd.
Whilst the majority of people want to come to a beer festival to explore and discover new brewers and styles, some
drinkers like to stick to their staple classics. Make sure you have a good mix of beer styles, including IPAs, stouts,
lagers, and more.
Plan the logistics: Will attendees be given a glass for sampling? How will beer tokens be sold? What food options
will be available? Will there be live music or other entertainment? Make sure you have a plan in place for each of
these details.
Advertise the festival: Once you have all the details in place, it's time to start advertising the festival. Use social
media to spread the word, and consider placing ads in local newspapers or on radio stations. Offer early bird or
group discounts to encourage people to buy tickets early and in bulk.
Manage the event: On the day of the festival, make sure you have enough staff to manage the event. Have
volunteers on hand to pour beer, sell tokens, and answer questions. Make sure there is plenty of signage so
attendees can find their way to and around the festival.