Decisions
Since it’s inception in 2014, this event had always seemed to do things ……. a little differently. It had been described with many different phrases over the years from “DIY” to “Niche”. I (Jim) am happy that it lived in that space. It had never aspired to anything other than to be a friendly space to drink some of the finest beers that (initially) the North and then (from 2016) the UK, had to offer.
The event always gravitated toward those breweries that inhabited a beer space below the canopy. Those that didn’t maybe get as many of the rays that others did. Yes, we had some of the most prominent names in the “Craft” space, but we took particular pride in highlighting the small, the “niche”, those breweries making great tasty beer, but never seeming to get over to Manchester. Think Five Towns, Offbeat, Otherton, Bexar County, Cheshire Brewhouse.
4 of which are gone. 2 in the last year. They made exceptional beer all (Five Towns & Bexar County both brewed ISBF “Beer of The Festival”!) They made this event what it was.
We loved existing in the undergrowth of beer events. And we didn’t do too bad. Raising circa £70k for seriously good causes. All that through good people drinking good beer.
All those who came to St Sebastian’s &/or Hemsley House, all those who took part in the various VISBFs & Heroes events, I bow down to you. You are good people. You bloody well did good. You had an impact on the lives of so many others you may never meet.
We are so SO grateful.
This event gave me so much over the years. From meeting new people and developing friendships that once were Virtual and now are some of the most valued, to keeping my heart beating amidst almost unimaginable pain and tragedy. I owe it more than I've ever given. Or could ever give.
The World’s Worst Kraftwerk Tribute Band were in fine fettle at the #ISBF6 Launch!
Away from the beer (the easy part), what I've always loved about this event is the people. The people who bought tickets, the individual sponsors and small businesses who made SUCH a difference and - most of all - those people I have grown to call the ISBF Family. Those beautiful people who - since October 2014 - have, year after year, given their time, freely, their goodwill, copiously and their hearts to this. Buying in, giving it their all. From managing bars, serving beers, cleaning, setting up, taking down. Without reward.
I can never, ever, thank them enough.
Other than to say, genuinely, I love each and every one of them. The best of people. Coming together. To make an enormous difference. I truly hope that they come to understand just how much.
Eventually.
Ah. Balls to it. Who am I trying to kid?
Who fancies coming back to Hemsley House?
Who fancies drinking more exceptional beer?
Who fancies helping us to raise thousands more in cash?
Whaddya say?
Image @ArtByVolume
Sorry for the teasing. But you know me!
Back soon. (With more details)
Be kind to one another.
Jim x