Producers weigh in on how to host the perfect festival

FROM local rural pubs to city centre outlets, beer festivals are becoming an increasingly popular sight, popping up across the Scottish on-trade. For publicans looking to run a beer festival, brewers offered the following advice:
beer festival
• “Less can be more. Too many festivals focus on over the top entertainment, and lose sight of what the event is all about: great beer.
“Some of the best I’ve been to are just a handful of good breweries pouring their own beer in a room full of people who want to try something new.”
– Jamie Maitland, Fallen Brewing

• “Breweries such as ourselves are always delighted to get involved in festivals regardless of the size.  Focus on contacting and involving a couple of breweries.”
– Andrew Chapman, Keith Brewery

• “Choose a diverse range of beer styles and give customers the option to buy in 1/3 units as well as 1/2 and pints. Include a good range of local beers, a branded glass and some great music and remember to promote it well!”
– Jo Stewart, Stewart Brewing