Marchfest Brews Something New

In its 19th year, Nelson’s popular craft beer festival Marchfest is changing its signature format.

Instead of a limited number of beers brewed specifically for the event, this year the festival on March 28 will see 24 breweries bringing a range of their own brews and serving them at individual stands at Founders Park.

“It’s just time for a change,” festival director Shelley Haring said.

“It was getting more and more difficult to sustain the the model of brand new brews and us running the bars.”

Haring said when Marchfest started 19 years ago, having brand new beers was unique and a selling point, but most breweries were now constantly releasing new brews.

Previous festivals typically had around 13 beers with eclectic, often experimental tastes. This year each brewery will bring four to five of their favourite or newly released beers, meaning visitors will have more than 100 to pick from.

Haring said the change had been welcomed by the brewers and the public feedback on social media had been positive.

“I think it will be a better experience for the attendee because they’re actually buying beer from the brewer that brewed it, whereas previously they would buy from the volunteer servers.”

Breweries from around the country will be represented, including Emerson’s from Dunedin, Auckland’s Behemoth, Boneface from Upper Hutt, Parrotdog from Wellington, Three Boys from Christchurch and Three Sisters from New Plymouth.

They will be joined by a strong lineup of Nelson Tasman breweries, including the Mussel Inn, Sprig + Fern, newcomers Aliment, Eddyline, Golden Bear and Acoustic, plus Marlborough breweries Boom Town and DNA.

There will also be local wine and cider available, along with a selection of food trucks.

The BrewZone will return with live demonstrations, expert talks and tips from brewing industry professionals.

Music has been the other ingredient for a successful Marchfest. This year’s lineup is headlined by Christchurch-based Danger80s, a high-energy tribute band performing 80s rock anthems. Other acts include the country rock of Brad Staley, singer-songwriter Steph Casey, local acts Slippery People, Rich & The Poor Boys, Spinoza, and DJ Tunesifter.

Marchfest is on March 28 from 1pm-9pm. Tickets are available through marchfest.com

By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail