Sister event Funk'n'Fest, headlined by Kylie Auldist, will also return the following day, as well as the strictly limited degustation on the Friday night.

The Ballarat institution, which was one of the few summer events to be held earlier this year, will be back in the North Gardens, festival director Ric Dexter promised.

Last year's festival went ahead with just 48 hours notice, amid confusion about changing restrictions for big events, but this year, everyone will be following the same rules, he said, with two sessions planned for the day.

"Last February, the festival was particularly difficult, but we pulled it off," he said.

"This year's COVID rules are well explained, so under government rules, it's double jab or no entry, and following all the COVID-safe plans."

There is a particularly strong brewing culture in Ballarat, from world-beating award-winners like Dollar Bill in Invermay experimenting with wild yeasts, to Mair Street's Aunty Jacks, home of the state government-sponsored Centre of Brewing Excellence, to say nothing of Federation University's professional brewing course, and the famous Red Duck in Delacombe - try their Big Lazy hibiscus tripel - among heaps of others.

The final roster of brewers who will be attending is not yet locked in, with Mr Dexter noting border closures had made things tricky, but it will be all-independent, with something for everyone, from "sessionable" beers to the wildest sours from across the state and beyond, as well as a home-brewing competition.

"There's a lot of optimism out there from the brewers and musicians, they're keen to get back out there," he said.

"I think it's going to be a huge, sellout festival, and we're always over-subscribed (with brewers), so we have to curate the list at the last minute."

The festival will also be partnering with Haymes Paint for the first time next year, and Mr Dexter said there was an opportunity for sports clubs that have struggled with fundraising this year to get some support as well

"In return for a cash donation to the sporting clubs, we're seeking some interest to see if anyone can provide a crew to help out with bumping in and out, and they'll be allowed in for the festival as well of course," he said.

Tickets to the 2022 event, as well as the full Funk'n'Fest lineup, will be released online next week - a strictly limited number of tickets will be on offer for both sessions on Saturday.

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