Hopfest 2018
12pm on the 6th July saw the opening of ‘Hopfest’. Hopfest is one of Preston’s largest beer, gin and music festivals. The annual event took place throughout that weekend. friday began with a business networking session. AYOM’s director, marketing manager and a field sales agent attended. All 3 represented the business aside the other event sponsors.
Hopfest welcomed a host of businesses from all over the north west. It aims to form a local, friendly atmosphere. The networking event ran until 4pm, with chance to meet fellow attendees. The festival offered networking in a different atmosphere than normal. The rugby club atmosphere emparts an informal, comfortable setting.
Preston Grasshoppers provided a great setting to enjoy the entire weekend. National and local brews accompanied the informal atmosphere. With the entry, all visitors enjoyed a free pint glass to keep and a programme. Inside, it gave insights on the 58 different cask ales, 7 craft beers and 28 ciders. There was also a gin and prosecco tent; offering a wide selection. The wide variety meant something for everyone.
Included in the ales was our sponsored keg; Hobgoblin Gold by Wychwood brewers. The programme included a complete list of sponsors and supporters at Hopfest. AYOM were proud to participate. The event brought great ales and conversation to local businesses.
As part of the networking, 2pm saw a ‘gin masterclass’ with Raj Solanki. At 4pm there was chance for another social event. A ‘meet the brewer’ session with head brewer Patrick McGinty followed.
Harrison Fury kicked off the evening's activities. Alongside them, more live music followed. Later acts featured Neon Cactus, Sweeney Astray and The Inbetweeners. For information on the full list of acts, you can look here. Undoubtedly, Hopfest 2018 received 5 stars on reviews. For atmosphere and venue (according to Skiddle.com).
Hopfest - Saturday
The second day of generated even more fun. With the annual touch rugby fancy dress tournament. The winners received lots of free tokens to enjoy throughout the weekend. While we didn’t send a team this time we are tempted to try next year.
Running alongside the tag rugby was family activities and a BBQ. With tokens priced low, all could enjoy tasting ales, beers and cider. Saturday saw a family feel as AYOM staff met to enjoy their weekend. With the England - Sweden game on the big screen, our staff enjoyed the festivities.
On behalf of all staff at AYOM, we’d like to say thanks to Preston Grasshoppers. Thanks also to other sponsors to allow this event to be possible. We had a fantastic Friday afternoon and Saturday at the venue. We look forward to coming again next year for the 5th annual Hopfest.
Networking contacts
We’d also like to thank all those who spoke to us during the networking event. For anybody that didn’t get a chance, please feel free to get in touch here. We’d love to speak to as many attendees as we can to discuss partnerships.
Our speciality is credit control and debt collection procedures. If you’d like to look at what we can do for you, you can see our services here.
Until Hopfest 2019, cheers!