Scotland’s newest beer festival, the Big Swally, which has already proved to be a hugely popular annual fixture in Dunfermline, comes to Edinburgh’s O2 Academy next month and has already seen the volume of visitors crash the website when the tickets went on sale.
The event, which is organised by The Caledonian Craft Beer Merchant, has Vault City as headline sponsors and the brewer is running two jam-packed sessions, day and evening, at what will be one of Scotland’s biggest ever beer festivals, bringing together breweries from home and as far afield as the U.S and Scandinavia, as well as some of Edinburgh’s favourite street food joints.
Vault City co-founder Steven Smith-Hay said, “When the website crashed on ticket-release day we did have a bit of a panic, it was so overwhelming but amazing to see the excitement for what’s to come, so early on!
“We’ve worked with the venue to make sure we can maximise the opportunity for Scotland’s army of craft beer fans, making as many tickets available as possible.
“The plans for this event are unbelievable, and we’ll have an amazing selection of beer available from some of the world’s highest rated craft breweries. Scotland has never seen anything like this before and it is an absolute must for anyone interested in craft beer. Some of my favourite breweries from around the world will be there.”
Colin Gardner, owner of Caledonian Craft Beer Merchant and founder of The Big Swally Festival said, “It’s an exciting time for the business as we celebrated our 5th anniversary this year, and are now building on the success of Dunfermline’s festival by expanding into Scotland’s capital.”
“We have an impressive selection of breweries for the inaugural event” he added.
Vault City, known for their boundary-pushing brews, are also launching their latest their latest creation for the event: a hard smoothie seltzer made with coconut cream and pineapple puree. This pina colada inspired drink is a first for the brewery and will be available exclusively to festival ticket holders.
Steven said, “I love when we get together as a team and start throwing ideas around. We need no encouragement to push the envelope, but we think this cocktail inspired seltzer will be a huge hit – it’s a brand new style for Vault City, and about as close to a boozy fruit smoothie as can be.”
Also coming in from the continent are Netherlands outfit, Moersleutal Beer Engineers, while Overtone Brewing, Newbarns Brewery and Tempest Brewing Co will join Vault city in representing Scotland. Flying the flag for the rest of the UK will be Track Brewing Co, Neon Raptor Brew, Verdant Brewing Co, Wylam Brewery, Left Handed Giant Brewing, Polly’s Brew Co, Braybrooke Beer Co, Pomona Island Brew and non-alcoholic offering, Mash Gang.
There will be a wide selection of beers from New York brewers Other Half and Hudson Valley which are rarely sold in the UK, while their New England Neighbours Trillium will also have beers on tap. Famed Illinois beermakers, Mikerphone Brewing and Burley Oak Brewing Co from Maryland complete the stellar collection of U.S breweries available in Edinburgh for the festival.
A host of award-winning street food vendors will help punters line their stomach, including Fred’s Backyard Barbecue and pizza purveyors Wanderers Kneaded. All-vegan, Mexican food truck Antojitos is also on the bill.
The Big Swally takes place on October 19 at the O2 Academy in Edinburgh.