After nearly two years, thousands of craft beer fans were finally able to meet with brewers and enjoy some beers at the Great Australasian Beer Spectapular (GABS) at Sydney Olympic Park over the weekend.
Over 11,000 people visited the festival over Friday and Saturday, with the taps flowing and beer being poured at 387ml per second. The GABS team quickly adapted to the new restrictions imposed just a day before the event, adding an extra 1500 seats and ensuring masks for all the hospitality staff.
Not surprisingly there was a really positive reaction to the event, with Burleigh Brewing stating they had had the “best weekend”, beer fans like Brew Boy Josh saying “what a night at GABS. So good to be back at a beer festival after far too long” and The Beer Selfie saying “Wow. What an amazing event….Thank you GABS for putting on this amazing event over the weekend, great choice of beer and food truck food. Couldn’t recommend this event more, such a great night out.”
Despite there being no singing and dancing visitors were still able to enjoy live music, the GABS Academy with food & beer pairing sessions, live comedy sets and they could even get a haircut at the on-site barber. There was something for everyone, with a selection of non-beer options including seltzers, a wine bar, and no-alcohol options.
The GABS Team is now gearing up for the Melbourne event which runs from 21-23rd May at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, with Brisbane to follow on June 12 at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.