Following a tumultuous event in 2018, Ballarat Beer Festival organiser Ric Dexter is positive this year’s festival won’t come up against any of the same shortfalls.
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Mr Dexter was left red-faced last year after ticket holders were turned away due to a security shortage.
“(We and the security company) made mistakes last year,” he said.
“This year there will be no issues, we’ve gone with a new security company from Melbourne and, if anything, are overstaffed ahead of Saturday.”
The event will take residence in its new home at the North Gardens at Lake Wendouree after an incident at last year’s festival ruled out the possibility of holding the event on the lake waterfront.
“We would be back (on the lake) this year had it not been for some woman pushing a bloke into the lake. After that the cops just told us ‘never again’.”
More than 200 different beers and ciders will be on display along with some wines from Blue Pyrenees Estate and Taltarni Vineyards.
Local industry names have been eagerly awaiting for Saturday to come, as it provides them with an opportunity not just to showcase their product, but interact with other local and interstate brewers in a positive and cohesive way.
Drew Graham from The House of Malt said while he won’t be bringing much physical product he hopes to let his malt do the talking.
“It’s a fantastic avenue to get out in the public space and promote that there is a local, organic malthouse in Ballarat,” he said.
“It will also allow me to talk to brewers and see what they want from their malt.”
These sentiments were echoed by Fiona Nolle from Dollar Bill Brewing, who will be bringing their unique sour beers to the festival.
“The industry, especially locally, is so collaborative,” she said.
“It’s awesome to have both a beer festival locally where we can show off our product, but also a way for us to share ideas and techniques with other brewers and blenders from across the region.”
Mr Dexter is expecting a similar crowd to last year in attendance on Saturday.
He hopes this year will bring in more families with some new kids’ activities and non-beer-based events.
“It’s going to be a great event for young and old. Whether you want to try every different beer available or only come for the food and music, I believe we’re putting together a great community event.”