Band lends a hand to a festival brew
NEW Year’s Eve punters will be frothing over the new frostie by electronic dance band Art Vs Science to be sold at Launceston’s BeerFest this year.
The famed Australian three-piece will headline Launceston’s signature New Year’s event, teaming up with its organisers to create a beer celebrating their 10th anniversary tour.
It is only the second Launceston BeerFest to bring in the New Year since it was founded in the city in 2011 — last year’s being a sellout event with almost 9000 attending.
Since then, the festival has spread across Australia and is now held in seven cities.
Founder James Harding said the “Art vs Science vs Beer” had so far sold out at the Fremantle and Sydney events.
The label on the bottles carries album artwork from the band’s self-titled debut EP from 2009.
“It’s a hazy session ale, so we’ve made it to be a good summer beer so it’s got a sort of tropical aroma,” Mr Harding said. “It’s not too hoppy, it’s really easy to drink. Hazy ales have been super popular this last 12 months.”
Mr Harding said he expected another 9000 punters to sell out this year’s event.
Children’s fireworks will go off at 9.30pm, and there will be a main fireworks display at midnight.
There will be beer, wine and cider masterclasses, including “Brewing: the basics and history — everything about Boag's beer and other miscellaneous tales” hosted by Matt Hyde and Nathan Groves of Boag’s Brewery at 6.45pm.
More than 200 Tasmanian craft brews, ciders and wines will be available from more than 40 stallholders.
Entertainment includes a comedy tent, children’s comedy tent, roaming performers and a range of children’s entertainment and activities from 4pm-9.30pm.
Tasmania’s own The Bad Dad Orchestra will also perform.
For tickets and information visit launceston.beerfestivals.com.au.