By Beckie Wilson
Martinborough’s BrewDay is now Upper Hutt’s BrewDay as the promoters seek to expand its popularity and reach.
Originally started in Martinborough where it has run for the past four years, the fifth edition will be setting up stalls at Trentham Racecourse on February 18.
The change in venue for the popular summer event came after negotiations with Upper Hutt City Council, a major sponsor, and the previous owners of the festival.
Upper Hutt City Council marketing manager Megan O’Connor said the promoters were hoping that this one would be an “unmissable event”.
“It’s an event that we are hoping by bringing over the hill, it will still be in easy reach for people in Wairarapa and for everyone else in the region to get to,” Mrs O’Connor said.
“The festival is also a complement to the up and coming craft beer scene in Upper Hutt.”
It was going to be only very marginally larger than previous years at this stage. But people should realise it would remain the great event that they attended in Martinborough, — just at a different location, she added.
“It’s meant for you to come along, park up on a seat or bring along a picnic blanket, and enjoy the great music while you’re trying some of the region’s best craft beers, and great food.
Upper Hutt city is becoming a craft beer hub with Panhead Custom Ales and Kereru Brewery well-established. They have been joined by new kid on the block, Te Aro Brewing.
“[We are] hoping that the festival will attract people from Wellington and Wairarapa, and they get the idea that Upper Hutt is becoming a craft beer hub.”
Mrs O’Connor said average attendance had been between 1000 and 1500 in previous years, and they were hoping to at least match those numbers.
So far, about 1000 tickets, starting from $45, have been sold, but she is expecting more sales in the coming weeks.
Martinborough Brewery will also have a stall at the event which starts at 11.30am.
