This month’s Manchester Beer and Cider Festival promises far more than just the amazing selection of 500+ beers, ciders and perries to sample. The move to Manchester Central in the heart of the city has given organisers space to develop events to appeal to beer lovers.
Probably the best-known champion of real ales and editor of the Good Beer Guide, Roger Protz will be sharing his knowledge of milds, porters and stouts with a tasting event on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd. He is an experienced broadcaster as well as author of the best-selling ‘300 beers to try before you die’. It would be difficult to believe you’ve not read or heard Roger, as he is prolific in his output both here and in the USA.
Roger said:“Manchester is at the cutting edge of modern British beer brewing while keeping one eye firmly on its roots and traditions. It is a real ale Mecca, has stunning new breweries, pubs and bars and a wonderful traditional pub scene. Manchester Beer and Cider Festival will reflect that in the range and styles of beer on offer in its magnificent new venue, Manchester Central. I’m looking forward to it immensely.”
He will also be signing copies of his book before and after his session.
Two other highly-respected beer experts will also be in town.
Christine Cryne, a member of the British Guild of Beer Writers and chair of CAMRA’s London beer tasting panel enjoys challenging the perception that wine is the best accompaniment to food. She will be presenting six beers paired with different chocolates (beer and chocolate? What’s not to like?). Christine will explain how the beers were chosen to be the perfect match for each chocolate. You can be part of this event on Friday 22nd, and demand is sure to be high for tickets.
Travelling less far, but bringing his considerable knowledge of foreign and British beer styles is John Clarke. John is a leading member of Greater Manchester’s beer community and contributes a monthly beer column for City Life in the Manchester Evening News. He will be talking and tutoring two of his expert fields, India Pale Ales and Belgian beers. If you’ve ever wondered about the truth of those tales of IPAs brewed hoppy to withstand the sea journeys or what a Wit really is, John will enlighten you in his engaging style. He’ll present his IPA talk on Thursday and Friday, while Saturday festival visitors will have the chance to get the lowdown on the best of the Low Country.
Deputy Festival Organiser Peter Alexander said: “Our move to Manchester Central gives us the space to introduce new events to the festival. Beer is such a versatile product and we are delighted that three nationally recognised experts will be dispensing wisdom as well as drinks. Each presenter has their own individual style and subjects covered will include history of the style of beer and how the ingredients of beer interact to produce the taste that we all know and love. Demand is sure to be high for these sessions, so we recommend securing tickets early.” Tickets for these events are available from the festival website, www.mancbeerfest.uk.
Alongside these, there will also be the Great Manchester Beer Debate, a free discussion held in the foyer on Saturday afternoon, and open to anyone with a opinion on the current issues of the day. CAMRA members will also have a unique opportunity to listen to and quiz Chief Executive Tim Page and National Chairman Colin Valentine who will be together from 5.30pm on Thursday 21st in the foyer.
Of course, you could just visit the festival to enjoy a few beers with friends…
Manchester Beer and Cider Festival runs from Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd January 2016 at Manchester Central M2 3GX
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
- If you would like to interview any of the presenters, please contact us, details below.
- Fuller pen pictures of presenters are available on request.
- Schedule of tasting events is at https://mancbeerfest.uk/events/#tickets
- A selection of images from previous festivals is at https://www.flickr.com/photos/mancbeerfest
Contact David Rigby via contact page