Following hot on the heels of the food festival explosion are booze fests, featuring every type of tipple. Just don’t go too crazy
St George’s Hall Beer Festival
When? September 29th-October 1st
Where? St George’s Hall, Liverpool
Behind the bar? More than 200 beers and ciders courtesy of Liverpool organic brewery as well as continental beers and lagers, wines, local food and entertainment.
Extras? You get a souvenir half pint beer glass and brochure to keep.
Ticket prices: September 29th-30th, £7; October 1st, £9
Contact: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/st-georges-hall-beer-festival-liverpool-september-2016-tickets-25670705772
The Gin Society Festival
When? September 30th and October 1st
Where? Lancaster Town Hall
Behind the bar? Enjoy a selection of the world’s finest gins and perhaps learn a few facts you didn’t know about this legendary libation. With up to 100 different gins on offer, gin lovers can sample their favourite tipples and discover some new exciting tastes from around the region, the UK and beyond.
Extras? A beautiful bespoke Gin Society gin goblet to keep as a souvenir, plus a booklet of tasting notes.
Ticket prices: £7.50
Contact: www.theginsocietyfestival-lancaster.eventbrite.co.uk
Gin Festival
When? October 14th-15th
Where? Rochdale Town Hall
Behind the bar? You’ll find a fabulous selection of more than 100 gins, exclusive gins, new brands, cocktails and more. Sessions run from 6.30-11pm on the 14th and 12.30-5pm and 6.30-11pm on the 15th.
Extras? Masterclasses from industry experts.
Ticket prices: £7.50 plus booking fee
Contact: Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gin-festival-rochdale-2016-tickets-26702273218
Manchester Whisky Festival
When? October 22nd
Where? Manchester Town Hall
Behind the bar? Not only will you have the chance to taste the best of homegrown whiskies from all over Scotland, but there is a good selection of whiskies from all over the world for your delectation.
Early Session: 11am-3pm; Late
Session: 4pm-8pm. Throw in a smattering of tremendous workshops and ‘Under the Counter’ drams and the grand surroundings of Manchester Town Hall, and you have a fantastic day out on the cards.
Extras? Glencairn tasting glass, bottle of water (for obvious purposes) the festival guide.
Ticket prices: £30
Contact: www.thewhiskylounge.com
Altrincham Fizz Festival
When? November 12-13
Where? Altrincham Town Hall
Behind the bar? There will be a huge range of fizz on offer, over 100 wines and champagne from Laurent Perrier. Sample everything, from Cava and Prosecco through to award-winning English sparkling wine and of course, Champagne, Sessions run from 12-3pm and 4pm-7pm each day.
Extras: Free champagne flute and wine carrier plus masterclasses, music, food and special ‘show offers’ with exclusive discounts available only at the festival. Kate Goodman, ex BBC Food and Drink programme presenter and local wine merchant will be amongst the visiting ‘experts’. There’s also the Fizz Festival People’s Choice Awards: 7.30pm – 9pm on November 13.
Ticket price: £25 per person
Contact: crackingwine.co.uk
