Regional craft beers will feature at this year’s Groovin the Moo music festival.
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Bendigo Beer will set up a craft beer and cider bar that will showcase four local beers and a cider at the national festival in May.
Bendigo Beer treasurer Jo Doye said the not-for-profit organisation had been working with GTM for the past two years to come to an agreement.
“Two years ago we donated some beer to a couple of the artists for riders,” she said.
“Then the festival approached us to do a craft beer and cider bar.
“We are basically facilitating the bar. They got in touch because of our knowledge of the craft beer scene.”
Bendigo Beer was established in 2011 to bring a better and more responsible drinking culture to Bendigo. It is one of only two beer related not-for-profit organisations in Australia.
Bendigo’s Brookes Beer, Woodend’s Holgate Brewhouse, Tooborac Hotel and Brewery and Red Duck Beer from Ballarat will feature in the bar alongside Harcourt Cider.
“They were the first four breweries we approached and they didn’t hesitate to get on board,” Ms Doye said.
“Most craft beer lovers tend to like music as well so it's a good fit. It’s nice to see Groovin the Moo doing something like this.
“As a brand new event they have to do certain things to make the festival viable but now they are looking at finding out more about communities they go into.”
Last year GTM showcased some local produce with Heathcote’s Willow room offering up some gourmet food in the VIP tent.
The bars will be in general admin, VIP and the artist’s area.
“I think it’s good for festivals (to invest in craft beer),” Ms Doye said.
“It’s happening more and more and some craft breweries are getting quite big, which gives better opportunities for them to get into bigger venues.”
Bendigo Beer has already expanded into the festival market with other events.
For the last three years they have hosted a pop-up venue as part of the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival.
Groovin the Moo is beginning its preparations for the 2016 festival.
This year’s line-up is announced on Thursday, January 28 at 9am.
