From left: Ms Deborah Grech, Mr Ray Grech and Mr Ivan Filletti addressing the press conference

The much-awaited Farsons Great Beer Festival returns and promises to be better than ever before, entertaining patrons of all ages tastes and preferences. This year’s edition will be held between Friday, 24th July and Sunday, 2nd August at Ta’ Qali Park. Doors open at 8 pm each night, and entrance and parking are free of charge.

Sponsored by Vodafone, Peugeot and Banif Bank, the festival attracts locals and foreigners, and is known to celebrate the art of traditional brewing and beer culture, whilst being a musical showcase for some of Malta’s thriving and up-and-coming artists and performers.

“Since its first edition in 1981, The Farsons Great Beer Festival has grown into a much awaited event which the public looks forward to year after year. Since 1928, Farsons has been dedicated towards producing some of the best award-winning brews and today, is proud to present an extensive and highly respected brand portfolio,” said Mr Ray Grech, Chief Marketing Officer at Simonds Farsons Cisk plc.

“Vodafone is happy to participate in the Farsons Great Beer Festival once again this year. This is a much awaited event and we look forward to present the visiting public with our latest offers. This festival offers the best local talent in the entertainment industry,” said Deborah Grech, Vodafone Malta Limited Brand Manager.

Adults, appreciating a cold pint will enjoy sampling a variety of local brands from Cisk Lager and the low-carbohydrate Cisk Excel, to classic brews such as Hopleaf and Blue Label, which have been brewed with passion since 1928.

A number of international beers will also be available including Cisk Export, Budweiser, Carlsberg, Guinness, Kilkenny, John Smiths, Beck’s and Corona. Following previous years’ success, Cisk XS and Farsons Strong Ale, which are brewed exclusively for export, will also be available at this year’s festival.

With over 50 live performances on two separate stages, this year’s festival will definitely be enjoyed all those present.

Mr Ivan Filletti, Field Marketing Manager at Simonds Farsons Cisk plc said, “This year we will be presenting a strong repertoire of live music from commercial and mainstream music to classic and alternative rock.”

The main stage will be opened by favourite local band Winter Moods and will feature other major artists and bands such as Ira Losco and Tribali. Other artists to perform on this stage include Klinsmann, Joe Cutajar, Cash Band, Miriam Christine, William Mangion and Salt. And, for those who love a good comedy, ZOO will be treating audiences to a full-scale comedy performance as well as two short sketches on other separate nights.

The Rock Stage in the World Beers Area, will present different rock genres from alternative numbers by bands such as Explicit and Scream Daisy to raunchier tunes from Rising Sunset, Eve Ransom and BNI. “In an attempt to encourage different musical genres, this year will also feature a heavy metal night on Monday 27th with Forsaken headlining the Rock Stage. Another inimitable performance by Fakawi, featuring Teletubi, will be closing down this stage on the last night,” continued Mr Filletti.

Other performers on the Rock Stage include Shiloos Tree, Thomas Headley, No Snow No Alps, Airport Impressions, Fire, Cable 35 and The Rifffs.

As in previous years, the food court will serve speciality dishes from all over the world, including Turkish, Chinese, Spanish, Mexican as well as all-time favourites such as fried chicken, burgers and hotdogs.

A new concept being introduced this year is the seated dining area, located at the arched entrance of the park. Catered by Island Caterers, this restaurant area will serve mixed grills and barbecue food.

Those who collect the official festival mug will be able to purchase this year’s edition at any of the bars. The mug will also be available at the souvenir stall, where one will also be able to purchase merchandise from their favourite brands, both local and international.

Other sponsors of this year’s Festival include Wilkinson Sword, Hawaiian Tropic, Walkers, Fotoclassic, Alert Communications and the Malta Tourism Authority. The Rock Stage is hosted by 89.7 Bay, and other participants in the Festival include Nestle, Peperami and Liquigas.

For more information please visit www.farsons.com/beerfestival.