The Virtual Independent Salford Beer Festival (#VISBF) : Where Do We Go From Here?
So. It started as a random suggestion. A hopeful thought. To raise at least some money for the festival charity.
About which I spun a Web of possibilities. But with each possibility, my negative impulses kicked in. The “what ifs” reared their ugly heads. “What can go wrong, will….. etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.
Well. It's not unprecedented as an idea. But I bet none have done it in the inimitable ISBF “DIY” style! (“You mean ‘winged it’” Ed)
So. What might this look like?
Well. Firstly 3 “sessions”. On the evenings of Thursday 12th November through to Saturday 14th November. (Dates may change - see below*)
A “ticket” (thinking £45-£50ish inc delivery), pays for a mixed case of 12 random beers - in a range of styles - in bottle and can.
If you want to avoid a certain style of beer, you can. But otherwise, random selection applies.
Each session will feature live music.
Maybe tasting events/discussions/whatever
A specially curated Spotify Playlist for each session compiled by our dear friends Jo and Mike (for those who've been before)…
Twitter chats etc… (with the likes of me - if you have sleep problems…. 😁)
These things are very fluid at the moment and may be subject to change / clarification. But not by much.
Remember, profits from #VISBF go to charity. Always have. Always will.
Beers.
For those who haven't been before, a cursory glance at any ISBF programme will tell you what we're about.
The “signature” of ISBF (since year 3) has been new beers. Launch beers. At the very least, new to the Manchester area.
This year, that may be a stretch. But I'm certainly going to try to obtain as close as I can to that ideal. For me, beer celebrations are about trying something different….. Something not readily available down the local. Am I weird? (Don't answer that!)
On draught, that has been completely achievable for 4 years. In this format, no guarantees. But boy's got to try, right?
Sponsorship.
Obviously, #ISBF7 would have been a different beast in this regard, with lots of opportunities to be involved.
However, this “interloping” event will be quite slimmed down, with half the number of breweries - or less - compared to the main event. As such, there are VERY LIMITED opportunities to sponsor stuff. But…. Here goes
Those generous souls who have already agreed to sponsor a Beer may find that concept “tweaked” (if they agree) Into sponsoring a Brewery. That donation / amount was £80. And would - at #ISBF7 - have attracted two guaranteed tickets, tokens, glassware etc.
This event redesign, will mean that each “sponsorship” will attract
A ticket. A case of Beer, as said earlier.
A prominent mention in the program, next to the brewery of choice and
A big show of gratitude on the website (as well as the boundless thanks of our Charity. Start in Salford.
Remember, profits from #VISBF go to charity. Always have. Always will.
Glassware
Not decided on the idea of Glassware for the event. That depends on obtaining a sponsor (I'm on it!) and the potential for courier breakage. I’d hate them to be damaged on arrival.
But. If you want it….
Remember, profits from #VISBF go to charity. Always have. Always will.
Cider
One of the things that really succeeded last year was the Cider bar. Drinkers who love cider will not be neglected.
Because I'll never forget the drinkers from the South West that came for the beer.
And stayed close to that Cider bar….
Programme
There'll be a beautiful Booklet / Programme (sponsorship ideas and advert pages available!), because I love them and I think that - designed well - they add something. That intangible element.
And just one tiny, ever so tiny detail might change. Those dates.
*Because 12th November is my (Jim) Grandson's first birthday……. (You understand that, right?)
And. Most importantly. Remember, profits from #VISBF - ALL ISBFs - go to charity. Always have. Always will.
Back soon. Be kind to one another.
Jim