Over these past few years, Manchester has become a genuine force in the UK’s craft beer scene, boasting some of the country’s most exciting and innovative brewers.
With the likes of Pomona, Track, Beatnikz and Cloudwater all residing in the city, hop hunters are truly spoilt for choice when picking their next pour.
With that being said, it’ll come as little surprise that there are plenty of beer-inspired events to get stuck into througout the year. Below, we’ve picked out a few of our favourites.
After a wildly successful debut year in 2021, Manchester Craft Beer Festival takes over the iconic Depot Mayfield, showcasing 100s of incredible pours from more than 50 breweries from around the world.
Along with that, there’s an impressive street food lineup, and live music from stellar selectors that have included the likes of Craig Charles and Goldie and Norman Jay MBE in past editions.
Held at St Clements Church, Chorlton Beer & Cider Festival is perfect for anyone looking for a greener setting as they sup the afternoon away.
Expect traditional cask ales, world beers, chilled kegs along with delicious ciders and perries galore. The much-loved Vicar’s Gin Bar will also be on hand for anyone after something a little different.
Funds from the festival are also used to support St Clements’ work in the Chorlton community, so you can rest easy knowing you’re doing your bit while getting merry.
If you fancy a short journey out of the city centre, then the Bents & Bongs Beer Bash at Atherton Roller Rink has become a firm favourite.
Stalls are split into six categories, ciders & perries, real ales, craft corner, Belgian & fruit beers, gin and Prosecco, so there’s plenty of variety for attendees to get stuck into.
There’s also a stellar selection of live music across all three days.
A little further out, but well worth the trip. Over the last 25 years, along with championing a wide variety of excellent pints, Macclesfield Craft Beer & Gin Festival has made a huge impact on the community, raising more than £300,000 for local charities.
Spread across three days and running since 2008, Didsbury Beer Festival is an incredibly welcoming affair set in St Catherine’s Community Centre. Another that is more than just a celebration of great booze, the team have managed to raise more than £200k for local charities through the festival.
Street food heroes GRUB transform their unique venue into a cosy, craft beer paradise for their annual winter beer fest. Along with an impressive lineup of brewers, keep an eye out for special events taking place during each session, from live podcast recordings to ‘Beereoke’.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Thu 5 Jan 2023
After being put on a pandemic-enforced hiatus, the beloved Indie Manchester Beer Convention made its long-awaited return in 2023 at its usual setting within the stunning Victoria Baths.
It’s long been an absolute must in the calendar of any local beer-lover, and its comeback reminded us exactly why.