If beer is your bevvy of choice, then you should probably
add MarchFest to your list of things to do! Heading into its 8th
season, MarchFest is held in Founder’s Park, Nelson. With an ample selection of
local brews, wines and ciders, as well as top-notch musical acts and a
dedicated children’s area, MarchFest has something for everyone in the family!
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Photo courtesy of MarchFest Ltd. by David Letsche Photography |
Nelson is truly the perfect place to host a beer festival,
since this city has more craft breweries per capita than anywhere else in New
Zealand! The city is home to 16.6% of the country’s breweries while only
serving 2.25% of New Zealand’s population.
During the 2014 MarchFest, breweries such as Golden Bear Brewing Company, Hop Federation Brewery, Lighthouse Brewing Company, McCashin’s Brewery, Moa Beer, Mussel Inn and many more turned out
with specialty craft beers brewed specifically for the festival. Blackenbrook Wines and Peckham’s Cider also turned out with a sampling of their finest
drinks.
One of the new additions to the festival is a Gourmet Beer and Food Matching Lunch with pairings by chef Lincoln Womersley of
a selection of festival beers and dishes prepared by local caterers, Blinc Catering. To give you a small sampling of the scrumptious servings, the
2014 menu saw dishes like Mushroom, Thyme and Parmesan Arancini balls with
Parsley Pesto and Sticky Date and Ginger Pudding with Caramel Ice Cream.
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Photo courtesy of MarchFest Ltd. by David Letsche Photography |
Beer columnist Geoff Griggs has said that MarchFest “is
more than a beer festival, it is a relaxing day out. I like that all the beers
are brewed specially for the festival.” It sounds like a great day to us too!