Tell us about the first beer you ever had.
Well, after stealing my Dad’s VB as a teenager, I decided I really didn’t like beer, but the rise of craft beers has bought me back to the fold and now I love it.
What about the last beer you had?
I actually had a tasting paddle at Holgate Brewhouse and my favourite was the Mount Macedon Pale Ale, very yummy.
What sort of beer would you like on the ultimate band rider?
I love trying different styles and flavours but for at the end of a gig in summer, I think something refreshing and light like a pale ale (Hawthorn and Kooinda make a couple of my favourites) would be on my rider.
What features of the festival make the Ballarat Beer Festival a bit special?
We really try every year to bring something new and exciting to the event and certainly providing nine hours of top live music is key. This year we’re focusing on fun. There’re also retro arcade games and you can dunk a brewer or even get a haircut or beard trim in the Brewers Big Backyard enclosure. We love working with the brewers to offer something special and this year the Motley Brew will be unveiled which is a great collaborative brew made especially for the BBF.
This is the fourth Ballarat Beer Festival, what’s the secret of its success?
The festival hit the mark with a perfect blend of great craft beer, gourmet food and top Aussie entertainment. The vibe is really relaxed and friendly – you can bring the kids or your mum – there’s something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate summer in a picturesque spot. I have to also mention the incredible community support and involvement in Ballarat – so many local sponsors, suppliers, volunteers and staff that get involved to make it happen. It’s a terrific coming together of our town to put something on for locals and visitors alike that’s a really fun day out.
BALLARAT BEER FESTIVAL will be taking place this Saturday January 24 at City Oval Ballarat with Ash Grunwald, Way of the Eagle, The Delta Riggs, Buddha in a Chocolate Box, Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk and more.
