Thanks for your interest in Manchester Beer & Cider Festival.
We hope that our website contains answers to most of the questions which you may have about the event. However, we do get e-mail enquiries asking questions which we think are clear. So here is a round-up on answers to the most common questions.
Q. When is the festival / are the dates confirmed?
Due to the uncertainty created by the Coronavirus Pandemic, we are currently unable to confirm the dates for MBCF 2021
Tickets
Q. Can I buy tickets in advance?
Advance tickets will be available when dates and venue are confirmed.
Children
Q. Are children allowed?
Children are permitted until 7pm daily. Children must be under supervision at all times and may not approach the bars.
Dogs
Q. Are dogs allowed
Registered assistance dogs are welcome but unfortunately other dogs are not permitted. This is Manchester Central’s policy, not the festivals’.
Beers, ciders and other drinks
Q. Will there be gluten free / vegetarian / vegan beers?
There will be a selection of gluten free beers in cask and bottle. Details will be posted on our website in advance of the festival.
While many beers are fined (cleared) with isinglass, an increasing number of beers are either unfined or fined using other methods and therefore suitable for vegetarians. We will provide a list of those beers which we have been advised by brewers are unfined and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The 2019 festival featured over 180 vegan beers.
Q. Will there be non-alcoholic options
There will be non-alcoholic beers available on the German / Belgian bar.
Unfermented pure apple juice will be available from the Cider & Perry bar.
Q. How do I get my beer / cider / perry on at the festival?
Please contact the relevant member of our team via our contact page. Please also check our brewers FAQ page first.
Payment / cash
Q. Is there a cash machine at the venue?
There is a free ATM/cash machine in the foyer of the Central Hall.
Alternatively, the closest banking facilities are: Royal Bank of Scotland, Mosley Street; Barclays, Mosley Street; Barclays ATM, Deansgate (near junction with Peter Street); Tesco Bank ATM, Quay Street
Q. Can I pay by card
Contactless card payment will be available on all bars
Q. Can I plug in my phone charger
There are no public power sockets at Manchester Central. However, there will be a free phone charging station where you can lock your phone in a secure locker while it gets a boost.
Food
Q. I have a food stall, can I bring it to the festival?
Food at the festival will be provided by Manchester Central’s in house catering team.
Volunteering
Q. How do I volunteer to work at the festival?
We would welcome new volunteers to our organising team – click here for info in the skills we are looking for.
Miscellaneous
Q. I am in a band / am a performer. Can I play at the festival?
The festival is about beer, cider & perry. Consultations with customers have shown that the majority prefer to enjoy their beer in a music free environment.
If your question is more specific, please visit our contact us page and direct your enquiry to the appropriate member of our team or submit a general enquiry which will be dealt with by the festival organiser.