Manchester chosen to host first ever international beer and cider brewing festival

Next year Manchester will play host to the first ever international beer and cider brewing festival, it has been revealed.

The two-day booze brewing event will take place at Depot Mayfield over Friday March 22nd and Saturday 23rd, 2024, and will showcase the finest beers and ciders from around the world.

This new event is being put together by the world’s most historic international beer and cider competition, The International Brewing & Cider Awards, an organisation that’s been going for 137 years.

Known as the ‘Oscars’ of the brewing and cider world, the organisation will bring its event to Manchester next year after a decade at The National Brewery Centre in Burton-Upon-Trent.

Industry professionals from around the globe will gather at Depot Mayfield to sample some of the best crafted beers and ciders.

Mancunians can come down and taste the festival’s vast range of award-winning local, national and international beers and ciders.

For the first time in its history, the International Awards will be accompanied by the new festival, representing a significant milestone in its commitment to supporting the brewing and cider industries.

The festival aims to bring together beer and cider enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the general public for a special weekend of live music, an excellent selection of food trucks and of course, great beer and cider.

Awards will be judged by a panel of judges from around the world, who are considered experts in brewing beer and cider.

Ruth Evans MBE, Director of the International Brewing & Cider Awards, and its festival organiser, commented: “We are thrilled that, 137 years into our history, we are hosting our first ever International Brewing & Cider Festival and bringing our world-renowned Awards to Manchester.

“The International Brewing & Cider Awards is the most historic international competition of its kind, and it is important that we innovate and expand, and our move to Manchester and the introduction of our Festival is part of that evolution.

“The city has a rich history in brewing and an up-and-coming cider scene making it a fitting location for our expansion.”

She continued: “Our ethos has always been to support the brewing and cidermaking industry on a not-for-profit basis and celebrate the best beers and ciders from around the world, providing the recognition they truly deserve.

“The Festival provides a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the incredible talent of brewers and cidermakers and to share their passion with the public. 

“The move to Manchester also allows us to forge valuable new partnerships with local organisations and community stakeholders, as well as extend the knowledge and appreciation of a win at the competition.”

“We hope this festival becomes a tradition, opening to the public once our Awards concludes on the Friday – this is a hugely exciting time for us and we are very excited to be descending on Manchester in March,” she added.

Founded in 1886, The International Brewing and Cider Awards takes place every two years and has been the gold standard in the passion and craftsmanship of breweries and cidermakers across the world.