Fresh Hop Beer Festival launches in Launceston

The festival is a celebration of all things craft beer, an industry that brewers say is growing in the state.

Moo Brew general manager Dave Macgill said it was a great chance for beer lovers to learn more about their favourite drink.

“I know Launceston has been crying out for something like this, so I’m not surprised at the amount of people that are here.

“It's very reassuring to see the amount of people that are here.”

Festival co-organiser Tim Jarosz said about 700 people flooded through the Vincent Street gates on Saturday, and expected a good turnout on Sunday too.

The day kicked off with a brewer’s Q&A session.

Mr Macgill said the two-day festival was also a great way for those in the industry to network.

“As a brewer you get to be in the middle of the agricultural side and the hospitality side which finishes the day off, so as a vessel to turn an agricultural product into hospitality and a viable venture, it's just been fantastic.”

Hobart Brewing Co.’s Brendan Parnell said the event would only get bigger each year.

“It’ll be iconic – we’ve already got interstate breweries who are getting onto Hop Products Australia down in Bushy Park.

“They are asking them for their green hops and taking them interstate and brewing new beers which are being sold throughout all the East Coast of Australia.”

He said he hoped the event would grow in notoriety, and draw more tourism to the city. 

Mr Jarosz said the event would go ahead next year based on this year’s success.

As well as unique beer created from the season’s fresh hops, the festival features live music, a kid’s corner, a variety of food trucks, a hop garden and hop brownies.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Fresh Hop Beer festival

WHEN: Sunday 24 April

TIME: 1 – 10pm

WHERE: Vincent Street, Launceston

TICKETS: $10 www.freshhopfestival.com.au