Toronto's Festival Of Beer on the move

02/27/09 6:26pm

by Steve McLean (CHARTattack)

Toronto's Festival Of Beer is leaving historic Fort York after 14 years and will move to Bandshell Park at Exhibition Place for its Aug. 6 to 9 run this summer to accommodate the bigger crowds that have been showing up every year.

I believe I've attended all 14 years of the fest and I have some great memories (although there are probably a few things I don't remember, too). And as far as I'm concerned, the increased attendance and move to the larger location aren't positive things.

The event has been overrun by people who don't really care about beer and are just looking to get loaded. Lord knows I've been loaded, too, but I like talking to brewmasters about their craft and taking notes for future reference. I'm pretty sure that that's not what the guys with the Steam Whistle boxes on their heads waiting in line at the Molson booth are interested in.

But I'll move forward along with the festival, since it's something I eagerly look forward to every year, and the move to the bandshell is accompanied by a promise to bring "premium entertainment" to attendees every night. Dave Wakeling's English Beat were great last August. I can only hope that organizers can bring in bands equally as entertaining this year.

Toronto's Festival Of Beer will run from 4 to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday (Aug. 6 and 7) and from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 8 and 9). Tickets go on sale here on Sunday.

Cheers.

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