LAGER isn’t the one-dimensional drink we can be forgiven for thinking it is. Certainly Manchester’s upcoming We Are Lager festival is the perfect vehicle to heighten its beer world profile. It’s not just about double-hopped IPAs, all you hopsters out there.
And this new four-day festival in Upper Campfield Market Hall (April 4-7) is not even just about lager, though it now promises 50 craft lagers from 20 breweries; a stellar line-up of 15 plus DJs is set to man the decks, while the beer-matched street food offering is tasty, too.
Latest UK brewers to confirm are Pillars Brewery, Mondo Brewing Company and Moor Beer, and from the Czech Republic Budvar – most famous for the long standing lager favourite, Budweiser. Also joining the line-up is Pyynikin Craft Brewery, an up and coming craft producer in Finland, joined by Canadian grassroots craft brewery Collective Arts Brewing and Lucky Saint, producers of “an alcohol-free beer worth drinking”.
They will joining lagers from Lost & Grounded, Hacker Pschorr, Kona Brewing Co, Lervig, Paulaner, Donzoko, Giepel Brewing, Braybrooke Beer Co, 71 Brewing and Manchester's own Cloudwater for a truly international lager exhibition.
You’ve guessed by now that We Are Lager is the UK's biggest lager festival and will include Manchester Union Brewery which is Manchester’s first and only dedicated craft lager brewery, launched in January. Over the weekend they will be showcasing their own lager along with some exclusive one-off specials.
As necessary ballast there will be burgers, BBQ and wings provided by Urmston favourites Get Chucked, a little taste of Mexico from El Taquero, Hong Kong flavours from Dim Sum Su and extra carbs from Yorkshire based mac and cheese makers Mac Shac. Desserts and coffee will be provided by Altrincham newcomer Off The Wheaten Track (their gluten-free brownies are pictured below) and Coffee 2 Pick Up.
All of the food traders will be providing special lager matching menus so festival attendees can really get the ultimate lager experience. Plus there’s a dedicated gin bar, plus wine, prosecco and soft drinks to ensure there is something for the non-lager drinkers.
The extensive DJ line-up is curated by Manchester’s longest running club night, Funkademia. The long weekend will kick off on with a Manchester’s Finest takeover on the Thursday with Chimpo from Levelz, Nanny Banton & Gareth Brooks (Hula), with A Certain Ratio Soundsystem joining Luke Unabomber on the Saturday.
They join the previously announced Everything Everything, Luke Unabomber (Electric Chair), Funkademia V Girls on Film, Take Me To Church & Hattie Pearson.
There will also be a dedicated family day on the Sunday wit lots of child-friendly activities.
Jamie Scahill, co-founder of Manchester Union Brewery and We Are Lager, told us; ‘’We are really excited by this new wave of announcements, it is set to be a great event with lager from all over the world. It is really important to us that the event is fun and inclusive, so food, music and a great variety of other drinks are as important to us as the lager.
“Lager has had a bad reputation over the past 30 years and We Are Lager is aiming to change this by showcasing the best lager the world has to offer. Our ethos is Drink Better Lager.’’
We Are Lager is looking for volunteers – in exchange you get a ticket to a session of your choice. Join the celebration here.
Thursday-Sunday, April 4-7, Upper Campfield Market, Manchester, M3 4NN. £8.80-£11, all sessions £33 inc booking fee. Book here.