FINE weather, cold drinks and a new program was a recipe for success for this year’s Ballarat Beer Festival.
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Festival director Kate Burrows said the inclusion of the Brewers Big Backyard and the Cider Orchard gave festival patrons new elements to enjoy.
“We’ve tried to create the best experience for everyone but (still) keep that organic feel,” she said.
“It was more spread out this year ... and with the music, children’s area, the ping pong ... there is so much to do.
“The brewers’ backyard was a real success. It was about brewers all coming together and that’s an amazing thing.
“It is about families and couples, and these people have embraced that and created something great.
“I think we nailed that feeling that it’s different from past years,” she said.
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Numbers through the gates were similar to last year, with almost 6000 attending the City Oval to enjoy the festival.
Moving the festival to the Australia Day long weekend also proved to be a success, with people travelling from as far as New South Wales and South Australia to attend.
“People from all over Australia have come,” Ms Burrows said.
“We decided to move the weekend for two reasons. Locals always come back from holidays the weekend before school starts and we did it Australia Day weekend so visitors could come and spend the whole weekend in Ballarat.
“We’ve taken on feedback from previous years and it seems to be a good move.”
Pleased with the feedback from festival-goers, Ms Burrows said there was a high possibility the festival would be held on the same long weekend next year.
“We will have a debrief and talk about it, but we’re stoked with how it has gone,” she said.
Also pleased with the day was the team from Mountain Goat Brewery, who came with 310 litres of beer and left with none. The team from Two Birds Brewing also had a busy day.
“It’s been amazing. The crowds are really friendly and super receptive to give everything a go,” Two Birds Brewing’s Paul Sultana said.
Ballarat police were also pleased with crowd behaviour, with no reports of incidents at the festival.
“It’s been a good family day,” Sergeant Kori Fraser said.
alicia.thomas@fairfaxmedia.com.au