Beer Fest invitation to eat, drink and be merry
THE combination of great beer, good music and mouth-watering food is always a sound basis on which to plan a great night out on the town.
All there of the above will be in under one roof over the course of the final weekend in August with the second annual Great Irish Beer Festival set to tickle taste-buds and electrify ear drums at Cork City Hall.
As its name would suggest beer will be the main focus of the three-day festival, with two-dozen craft brewers and one distillery showcasing an astounding array of ales, stouts lagers and ciders.
A series of lectures will also take place over the weekend about a range of topics including what dishes to fair with different beers, discussions led by Chris O’Flynn of the Malting Company and demonstrations in the fine art making your own tipples courtesy of the Lee Valley Brewing Club.
In addition to celebrating the rich tradition of Irish brewing and the increasing popularity of micro-breweries over recent years, the festival will also offer visitors the chance to hear some of Ireland’s top bands perform live.
CORK band Audible Joes will get proceedings off to a blistering start on the first night, followed by what promises to be a blistering, high-octane set from veteran Northern Ireland spunk rockers Stiff little Fingers.
Another Cork band, The Band Anna who made a name for themselves busking on the streets of the city will play the venue the following night, followed by electronic four-piece La Galaxie, arguably one of Ireland’s most exciting live acts.
Leeside duo Fire & Water will take to the festival stage on Saturday night, with Rebel Rebel – The David Bowie Experience set to bring the weekend to a rousing finale.
The festival is open to the public (over 18’s) from 7pm-10pm on Thursday and from 4pm-10pm on Saturday and Sunday, with live music from 6pm each day.
Admission will be €13.50 daily in advance of €15 at the door. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.greatirishbeerfestival.ie.