Indi-backing beer fest brewing up return

THIRSTS are set to be more than quenched when Ballarat Beer Festival returns next month.

Following a Degustation Dinner launch on Friday, 17 February at the Mercure, the main event will take place throughout 20,000 square kilometres of the North Gardens at Lake Wendouree the following day.

Now in its 12th year and with a line-up of 150 Australian-made beverages, festival director Ric Dexter said the event is all about supporting the brewing industry’s little guys.

“Our theme to project is that we heavily support independent breweries, which Ballarat has quite a few of,” he said.

“There’s an emphasis on those smaller, Australian-owned independents. It’s all about the small guys battling to make their quid and helping get their brands out there.

“We’re probably one of the longest-running beer festivals around and certainly one of the very few that support only independent.”

Participating makers include locals like Dollar Bill Brewing, Kilderkin Distillery and Red Duck Brewery alongside visiting independents like Fox Friday, Shedshaker Brewing and Tiny Fish Brew Co.

Live music will feature throughout the day while distributor Bintani will host beer naming and sensory masterclasses alongside awards for best dressed stand and best commercial beer.

A silent disco will also take place throughout the event.

The festival will be Mr Dexter’s eight as director, and he said it’s always a popular occasion.

“At our peak, we would have about 5000 attendees. Generally, we get about 3000 which is comfortable for us,” he said.

“It’s very important to me that we continue to support independent and to help put funds back into their own communities.

“We’ve got lots of little brewers from little country towns all over Australia, and it’s a nice, chill event and exciting to see these guys pumping out some interesting flavours and tasty beers.”

Proceeds from the event will go towards children’s Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Tickets range from $21.98 to $208.53 and can be booked at the festival’s website.