Manchester Beer & Cider Festival back on track

Happy real ale drinkers at this year's festival
(photo borrowed from festival website)

I wrote on 10 May that the Manchester Beer & Cider Festival had been evicted from the the National Cycling Centre, known as the Velodrome, where it has been held for the last two years. The good news is that agreement has been reached for it to be held in Manchester Central, formerly known as the G-Mex. This venue could have been made for a beer festival, although in fact it was originally the old Manchester Central railway station. It's in the city centre and is thus extremely convenient for public transport. My only previous visits to this venue have been to see bands, such as Deacon Blue, Simply Red and AC/DC.

Festival Organiser Graham Donning said “We are very excited to be bringing the festival right into the heart of the city. With direct access from the newly improved Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink station and Deansgate rail station, we couldn’t have a better location for our customers who flock from across the region and indeed from all over the country to attend.” He added that, although other locations were considered, this was always the first choice.

The festival will offer more than 500 beers, ciders and perries at several bars, and they fully expect to beat this year's attendance of 11,500. With this much more convenient location, I'd be very surprised if they don't succeed.

The dates of the next festival are 20 to 23 January 2016, and tickets will go on sale on Tuesday 1 September via the festival website.