Manchester Craft Beer Festival

Manchester Craft Beer Festival, Depot Mayfield, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PY

The eagerly anticipated weekend finally arrived, and the TWICB Team descended upon Manchester last Friday with high hopes and empty glasses, ready for round two of the Manchester Craft Beer Festival. But before diving into the festivities, we made a necessary pit stop at the fantastic Track Brewing Co Taproom—a vibrant and welcoming space where we warmed up with a few glasses of their ever-impressive pours.

This time around, Manchester graced us with glorious sunshine—an added bonus that made exploring the city on foot even more enjoyable as we made our way to Depot Mayfield, the venue for the festival

Organised by We Are Beer, the Manchester Craft Beer Festival is one of three annual events alongside its sister festivals in Bristol and London. Like the others, this one follows an all inclusive format: pay once (in this case, £60), get your souvenir glass, and sample to your heart’s content. It’s a format we love, encouraging exploration and risk-taking—after all, sometimes the beer you’d never normally choose becomes your surprise favourite.

Depot Mayfield proved to be an ideal venue: a large, open-plan warehouse with ample space and a dark, moody ambiance that somehow added to the buzz. Despite the crowds, the layout meant we never struggled to find seating or space to roam. The atmosphere was lively but never overwhelming, making it easy to relax and soak in the experience.

Across three well-attended sessions—Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday evening—over 80 breweries showcased their best creations. With around 500 different beers on offer, there was truly something for everyone. While most breweries were from the UK, we did miss the presence of a few we’d been looking forward to, such as Overtone, Polly’s Brew, and local favourite Track.

The event was elevated further by a superb selection of street food, offering perfect pairings for the diverse beers on tap. A rotating cast of DJs and a live band ensured the energy never dipped, creating a dynamic, festival-like feel that kept spirits high well into the evening.

In all, the Manchester Craft Beer Festival delivered on every level—great beer, great vibes, and a chance to discover new favourites in an unforgettable setting. Whether you’re a seasoned beer geek or just looking for a fun weekend activity, this festival is a must-visit. We’re already counting down to the next one.attendees.