Craft beer drinkers will have twice the chance to savour the region's and state's finest ales in 2022 as Bendigo on the Hop plans to present two events.
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After postponing their 2021 event - which was scheduled for October 23 - for a second time, Bendigo Beer president Trevor Birks pushed the 2021 Bendigo on the Hop to March next year.
Five months later, the festival will present a second event in its traditional August slot.
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Mr Birks said he expected to have to move the 2021 festival again given Victoria's tight coronavirus restrictions.
"This time wasn't as much frustration as first time, mainly because was expected," he said. "It is still disappointing but there is not as much of a shock.
"We had to wait until Daniel Andrews gave us dates to work to. When we get to October 26, there are still restrictions around hospitality. We could have done it but it wouldn't have done it justice. It really needs an atmosphere of people standing and moving around venues as they please.
"We must tip our hat to the City of Greater Bendigo for their communications. The events team communicated things to us to give us an insight in to what we might expect."
Mr Birks said waiting the extra months would also allow time for Victoria's coronavirus vaccination rate to rise.
"Wearing masks between venues is fine but it is worth waiting few extra months for the vaccination rates increase and see restrictions on hospitality ease," he said.
"With the government expecting Victoria to be doubled vaccinationed at 80 per cent by October, we should be at 90 per cent by January.
"March gives us enough time to give everyone a chance to get vaccinated and allow us and the venues to really make this festival shine."
On presenting two Bendigo on the Hop events in 2022, Mr Birks said the committee decided to go all in.
"Once (we chose March) we thought 'in for a penny, in for a pound, we might as well do August, 2022," he said. "It has been 18 months with no income for us, which is tough.
"So we will go back normal in August and it might set precedent for two Bendigo on the Hops a year. The demand is definitely there. We sold out 1900 tickets, people who couldn't do the new date can get a refund, there are 300 on the waiting list.
"We are really looking forward to getting back, hanging out and enjoy enjoy beer face-to-face with mates."
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