The Great Australian Beer Festival is expanding into a two-day event
The expansion of the annual beer celebration in Geelong is set to bring in more than 8000 people to the city.
Geelong
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Geelong’s Great Australia Beer Festival will introduce an expanded two-day event ahead of its 10th anniversary celebrations.
The event is held annually in Johnstone Park in the city’s CBD in January and next year’s extended festival is set to bring in more than 8000 people to the region.
The “taste the region” festival showcases a line-up of breweries, distilleries and cocktail connoisseurs to celebrate the best in local food, arts and entertainment.
The 2023 two-day event is expected to include new activities such as cooking demonstrations using produce from across the region, a comedy stage and live streaming of the Australian Open on screens around the beer gardens.
Festival founder and co-director Kieran Blood said the event had grown significantly over its 10-year tenure and was a drawcard for beer-lovers from around the state and Australia.
“We have evolved from a locally attended showcase of breweries to an iconic cultural and destination experience in the city centre,” he said.
“It’s a place to explore the latest trends, innovative creations, simple delights and old faithful favourites.”
Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said more than half the people who attended major events around the region were from outside Geelong.
The revitalised event would be a huge contributor to continue helping the local economy return to pre-pandemic heights, Mr Murrihy said.
“The expansion of the festival into a two-day event will help us capture more overnight visitors,” he said.
“This means a massive economic injection into the local hospitality and retail industry.”
For the first time, the festival will offer tailored accommodation packages at Rydges Geelong, which are aimed at both travellers from outside of Geelong and those wanting a staycation at home.
The festival will run from January 20 to 21 with tickets available at www.gabfgeelong.com.au.
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Originally published as The Great Australian Beer Festival is expanding into a two-day event
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