The first Indie Baum Beer Festival took place in the middle of June, organised by Ant Jones (Wakey Wakey Brew Co) and Ben Collier (The Baum). From the moment that Ant first mentioned it to us we were eager to get involved.

This was the first time we had run our own brewery bar at a festival. Last November we had shared a bar at Bury Beer Festival with Wakey Wakey and Serious Brewing. Fortunately we had plenty of notice to beg, borrow and steal (I mean buy!) everything that we needed to get the bar up and running.

The festival ran over two days – Friday 13th and Saturday 14th June. The opening day was a little quiet, maybe it was the date? But, even so, everyone who attended seemed to have a good time. Saturday was definitely busier and there was a great atmosphere, especially in the evening with live music to entertain the crowd.

It was great to be able to talk to people as they enjoyed our beers. In particular, I was delighted to be able to serve Under the Eildon Tree and I’m Already Here as keg beers for the first time. Both great beers, especially the porter, even if I do say so myself.

I also enjoyed getting to know a few of the other brewers, who I was meeting for the first time, or speding more time with. I should especially mention Gez from DMC and Jason from Juggernaut, who helped out with getting the keg dispense sorted, and Richard from Tun Brewing.

With this being the first time that the festival took place, there was inevitably a learning curve. Ben and Ant took suggestions on board from day one and made tweaks for day two which definitely helped. I know that they are busy talking about how they can make the Indie Baum II even bigger and better than this year’s event, and I am definitely looking forward to it.

A HUGE thank you to Ruth’s sister Jane and her friend Helen who kept the bar flowing for us on Saturday while I was at Stockport market. And most of all, THANK YOU to our customers who came along and drank our beer over the weekend.

We must say we’re particularly apologetic to Rev Anne Gilbert of St. Mary’s in the Baum who was very keen to try our Baum Rabbit, Pale Ale. Sadly we didn’t have it available, but we certainly will next year.

Bring on Indie Baum II.