After being postponed in January due to the latest wave of the pandemic, Geelong’s Great Australian Beer Festival is ready to go this weekend.
Brewers and performers will take over Johnstone Park on Saturday, April 2 for a day full of entertainment and beer tasting.
The festival will be split into two sessions – from 11am-4pm and 5-10pm – with attendees able to indulge in over 200 of the finest hand-crafted beers, ciders, cocktails and wines, as well as local street food.
Festival director Kieran Blood said he was glad the festival was finally able to go ahead.
“We were heartbroken to postpone in January, but knew it was the most responsible thing to do,” he said.
“However, the community support has been overwhelming with 95 per cent of ticket holders retaining their tickets.
“We are so excited to finally have the opportunity to deliver the GABF experience that everyone knows and loves while offering a COVID safe environment. We aim to deliver the perfectly crafted beer festival experience.”
Along with the entertainment, including The Badloves, The Settlement, local acts The Violas and Izzy Losi, Art vs Science, Fulton Street Band and emerging locals, Beans and Immy Owusu, the highlight of the festival will be the Masterclass and Brewers Stage, hosted by industry icon and qualified cicerone, Tiff Waldron.
“GABF is all about our love for local beer – the masterclasses, forums, beer-food pairings and brewer talks are another great way for those who are just entering the world of craft beer to discover more about the beers and the brewers around them,” Mr Blood said.
The festival is expected to bring around 8000 people from across Victoria and interstate to the Greater Geelong region.