By KATH GANNAWAY
SOME of the best beer and cider produced in the Yarra Valley will feature as part of the inaugural Yarra Valley Beer and Cider Festival at Lilydale on Saturday, 9 April.
The Rotary Club of Wandin is behind the move to showcase beer and cider as the number of brewers – both in the valley and further afield – grows to meet a growing appreciation and demand for fine boutique varieties.
Rotary president, Ray Barrett, said the club is working with passionate community beer and cider lovers to bring the festival to the valley.
“We have engaged this group of younger people from a wide range of expertise who have put in a great amount of skills and dedication, working alongside the Rotarians to pull together an event that we believe will be a great success,” Mr Barrett said.
He said while the Yarra Valley is known for wine and fruit, but there is also a lot of beer and cider being brewed begging someone to tap into that opportunity to promote, celebrate and potentially build into a successful fund-raiser to support Rotary projects.
The festival will feature 22 brewers and more than 15 quality food vans along with entertainment by Ed Astray and Tree of Strings.
Mr Garrett said the focus will be on a quality experience with a strong emphasis on responsible drinking as part of a great social day out.
Tickets will be available on the day but with a cap on numbers, Mr Garrett said they are encouraging people to pre-book online at tickets@yarravalleybeerandciderfestival.com.au.
For more information, visit www.yarravalleybeerandciderfestival.com.au.
