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I thought it was a great event - considering it was the first year I don't think it could have gone much better. Again, Thanks to Andrew for putting in such a big shift over the weekend and rallying the troops. There are improvements that can be made as with any event to make the next one even better and let's hope the festival has done its bit to raise the profile of Irish craft beer.

I had a great day on saturday, only gripe was food selection...Its criminal not to be able to purchase pork at a beer fest...While Beoir members were visable, I think a stand with some brewing equipment on show should of been set up.

"Lordstilton":1g4b0s69 wrote: I think a stand with some brewing equipment on show should of been set up.[/quote:1g4b0s69]We deliberately weren't pushing the homebrewing angle, but it's certainly something we can think about for future gigs, volunteer numbers and logistics allowing.

"TheBeerNut":24xx6g68 wrote:

"Lordstilton":24xx6g68 wrote: I think a stand with some brewing equipment on show should of been set up.[/quote:24xx6g68]We deliberately weren't pushing the homebrewing angle, but it's certainly something we can think about for future gigs, volunteer numbers and logistics allowing.[/quote:24xx6g68]

Indeed. When Partridge brought his brewing books along, there was a lot of interest. I could quite easily see a split ICB/Beoir stand working out quite well.

"Lordstilton":20k4p6yu wrote: I had a great day on saturday, only gripe was food selection...Its criminal not to be able to purchase pork at a beer fest...While Beoir members were visable, I think a stand with some brewing equipment on show should of been set up.[/quote:20k4p6yu]

I actually setup on Friday and Sunday - I was absolutely wrecked on Saturday - I blame Andrew for telling me about all those great beers.
It got good interest - I am conscious that Beoir isnt a homebrew club with beer lovers - more a beer lovers club that has homebrewers and I made that clear to the people I was talking to - but of course I also explained how easy it was to start brewing beer and its great to have a hobby with rewards.

I am not quite sure that creating two stands - or a split stand is such a good idea. There is no harm having homebrew stuff there and explaining what Beoir is at the same time.

The only downside was the actual books themselves - whenever I got dragged away chatting - usually to the metalman stand - I was a bit nervous of books walking - luckily they didnt - other than that - it was well received and provided a nice focus point.

Maybe a talk about home brewing at the start of the day before the entertainment, or better still a live demonstration! i.e. now the mash has started, this will take 60 minutes, act one comes on stage does their 60 mins, then the transfer to the boil kettle! Another act come on while it's boiling, maybe some sort of spot light on the kettle as the hop additions are being added, then siphoning into a fermenter. Well it's gotten me in the mood to do some brewing just thinking about it!

I think something like that would be interesting to the average punter?