‘Safe and friendly’ beer festival is set for return

Seb Jones – ‘safe and friendly’ festival returned to Forres this weekend

A CRAFT BREWERY is opening its doors for a second time this year thanks to the success of their first on-site beer festival.

Speyside Craft Brewery in Forres has converted its back yard to host music and beer events, featuring sets from the area’s up and coming DJs and beers from a wide range of Scottish craft breweries.

The brewery’s young MD, Seb Jones, said the event fills a gap in what’s on offer for many people in the area.

“This is a safe and friendly environment where people can come, listen to some great music on a massive sound system and enjoy some of the best beers around,” he said, adding: “There’s a real shortage of this type of event, and even more of a shortage of suitable venues.

“The brewery is ideally located as it has great public transport links and there’s plenty of space.

“It’s a bit different from the normal beer festival formula; the music is for all tastes in the first session, with more bass-heavy sets in the second session.

“There’s a variety of beers on offer, people don’t have to buy a special glass or complete score cards for each beer – although you can if that’s your thing. It’s more about a party in a brewery, and contrary to the popular saying it’s quite easy to organise!”

In addition to the DJ sets by C4 Sound Systems there are appearances from special guest musicians, and hot food from Macbeth’s butchers in Forres. More info and tickets on the brewery’s social media page.

Opened in November 2012 by chemistry student Seb (27), Speyside Craft Brewery was the first commercial brewery in Moray Speyside for a decade and heralded a resurgence in craft beer production in the area.

Its beers are named after local icons to promote Moray Speyside beyond its borders. It now employs six staff at its brewery on the Greshop Estate in Forres.

The weekend festival kicks off behind the Brewery in Forres at 2 Gresop Road at 12noon on Saturday (July 11) and will end at 6pm on the Sunday.