THIS year’s Knutsford Beer Festival is being held at the town’s iconic 60 King Street.
This Grade II listed property was home of the former Belle Epoque restaurant for 46 years and has been vacant since the town council took control in 2019.
The local community and business developers are now being asked to come up with ideas.
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In the meantime, this nomadic festival, boasting a 40-strong beer bar plus cider, wine, prosecco and gin, says the historic building is an ideal location for their charity event.
Andrew Malloy, Chairman of the Knutsford Beer Festival committee, said: “This is a really cool venue for us.
“It’s got loads of space for us to set up the beers and we think people will enjoy the chance to have a look around one of the most interesting buildings in Knutsford.
“It’s absolutely steeped in history and has loads of character so it’s a fun space to work with.”
The festival runs from Thursday, April 20 to Saturday, April 22.
All proceeds this year will go to Hope Central and the Toy Appeal.
Since it started in 2013, the volunteer-run beer festival has raised more than £37,000 for local charities.
A mix of Live and DJ music is planned for the evening sessions and the Saturday afternoon session will see the return of the tasting masterclasses, all included in the ticket price.
Andrew said: “We have a huge choice of great beers for people to try, including a collection of craft beers curated from breweries across the north west.
“ Ultra-local breweries like MBH, Tatton Brewery and The Weekend Project will be on the board as well as Red Willow and Cloudwater.
“We’ve also got a wine bar which will be run by Ed and Morgan from Morgan Edwards plus cider, gin and soft drinks.
“To make sure people don’t go hungry, we’ve invited the local Scout group to run a BBQ for us in the courtyard.”
The growing team of volunteers behind the three-day event are Andrew Malloy, Colin Kemshead, Sandra Curties, Kevin Jardine, Rachel Bishop, Paul Langley, David Morgan.
Newcomer Zoe Fogg brings a wealth of event management experience and runs her own event company in Mobberley, The Event Collaborative.
The search is now on to find sponsors.
Various opportunities are available including beer sponsorship from £50 a barrel.
Kevin Jardine, local retail specialist, who leads the sponsorship team, said: “We know that a lot of local businesses are having a very tough time at the moment.
“With soaring energy prices and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, so our sponsorship packages start from just £50, in the hope that many of our regular local businesses can still support us.
“We have range of packages at higher price bands.
“We are still on the look out for an overall sponsor, who will be given company logos on all materials and access to a VIP space at the event for the sponsor and guests to enjoy, as well as a preview tasting ahead of the opening.”
Local businesses interested in sponsorship can email sponsor@knutsfordbeerfestival.org.uk or visit knutsfordbeerfestival.org.uk.
Tickets cost £10 and include entry to any one of the sessions, a souvenir glass to keep plus one free drink.
Sessions are held each evening plus an additional afternoon session on Saturday.
For more information and to buy tickets visit knutsfordbeerfestival.org.uk
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