The Williamstown Heritage Beer and Cider Festival is back, with a promise to be good for what ales you.
The annual festival had a hiatus when its founder, former Steampacket pub owner Scott Meager, went overseas.
Craig Turton of Williamstown Waterfront Events said the local trader group had resurrected it.
“We’re local people, we’re about driving people to Williamstown because we’re proud of the area,” he said.
“When we heard that Scotty from the Steampacket had moved to America, the festival was just basically left lying, so we contacted him and bought the rights off him to bring it back again.
“A big part of what we’re doing is explaining and illustrating the role that pubs have played in Williamstown … there were 40 pubs within a two-kilometre radius back in the day and there’s not many left, sadly.”
Mr Turton said the event would showcase independent Australian-owned and operated brewers of truly great beer.
“We’re bringing in all the independent small craft brewers like Two Birds, Thunder Road, Pirate Life, Hop Nation and Stomping Ground,” he said. “We’re getting home brewers to come in and we’re going to have a bit of a competition – it will be like a
MasterChef.
“Hop Nation in Footscray are going to brew the winner’s beer for them commercially.”
The event will have food from street vendors and local restaurants and entertainment from The Jason Singh Duo (of Taxiride fame).
The Williamstown Heritage Beer and Cider Festival will be at Seaworks Precinct on Saturday, November 25, from noon-7pm.
Details: willybeerfest.com.au
