Beers bring the crowds

Geelong’s Great Australian Beer Festival (GABF) celebrated its sixth anniversary last Saturday, with organisers stimulating the senses of over 3,500 festival-goers.

The event ran smoothly with weather providing the perfect sunshine. Festival Co-director Michael Ward said he was really happy with the day and there was plenty of beer for everyone.

“It was a great day, the musicians were really good and the winners of the prizes were absolutely stoked,” Michael said.

Guests were able to attend free beer and food matching seminars, visit brand experience areas and enjoy mingling with the brains behind 37 different breweries.

Gourmet food producers plated up a tasty selection of meals and snacks, while Kingswood, Vaudeville Smash, The Go Set and 15 other live acts took to the stage to provide the entertainment.

The famous wacky races were back with bigger and better prizes up for grabs this year, including return flights to Balter Brewing on the Gold Coast, an afternoon with the Barrow Boys, a brewery tour, lunch for six people and four cases of award-winning Cockies Beer.

Hosted by industry stalwart Prof. Pilsner, aka Pete Mitcham, and held out on the Geelong Racecourse’s official track, around 45 people participated in the competition.

Andy Pobjoy, creator of Geelong’s and Victoria’s only dedicated piano bar, and Gorge Camorra, who recently opened his 1920s themed The 18th Amendment Bar, were a big hit among guests too.

For more information visit gabf.com.au.