Birmingham Rum Festival returns to an increasingly rum-loving city on Saturday 1 July, after a sellout first year.
The event is ‘a celebration of the summertime spirit in all its guises’, combining sampling, cocktail mixology, live music and street food.
Hosted at heritage entertainment venue The Cuban Embassy, the festival spreads over two indoor rum bars, an open air courtyard and outdoor terrace.
Tickets, on sale from 27 January, grant visitors access to free sampling, and include a welcome cocktail as well.
What’s On at Birmingham Rum Festival 2017?
As well as trying lots of different rums, visitors and trade guests will have the chance to talk to rum experts and brand representatives.
There will also be a special range of Festival Cocktails available, featuring the rum brands exhibiting at the event.
And the Drinks Emporium Rum Shop will be stocked with rums for visitors who wish to buy bottles to take home and enjoy.
Exhibitors at Birmingham Rum Festival 2016 included Bacardi Brown-Forman, who hosted a special bar area as the lead sponsor.
Other brands showcasing last year ranged from heavyweights like Appleton and Bacardi, to niche producers like Pirate’s Grog, El Dorado and Admiral’s Old J Spiced.
Caribbean street food, live Latin and reggae music
The rums will be complemented by a street food offering, featuring Caribbean and Latin American dishes served to visitors in the open air.
Live music will provide the soundtrack, with reggae, salsa and samba performances lined up to create a carnival atmosphere.
Birmingham Rum Festival is back as rum grows in popularity
The festival returns on the back of a growing tide of consumer interest in rum, with increased on-trade presence in the city’s bars and venues.
Simon Tester is co-founder of drinks retailer The Drinks Emporium, which stocks over 150 different rums. He said:
Over the past year we’ve seen a leap in interest when it comes to rums. More bars and pubs in Birmingham are stocking exciting products in response to the growing public appetite.
We saw a great response last year and we’re looking forward to hosting the Rum Shop again at the upcoming festival.
Who’s behind Birmingham Rum Festival?
Birmingham Rum Festival is organised by local food and drink guide Dine Birmingham.
The brand has also hosted a series of popular rum tasting events in the city to date, working with The Cuban Embassy.
Founder Ahmed Ahmed said:
“It’s very clear that as far as Birmingham is concerned, rum is the next big thing. We’ve been bowled over by how keen people are to learn more about it, try different varieties – and seek out bottles to buy and enjoy at home.”
Nick Rendall is director of The Cuban Embassy, which stocks over 130 rums. He added:
“The city as a whole is enjoying a drinks boom, with new single spirit bars opening up as well. Bringing back Birmingham Rum Festival was a bit of a no-brainer!”
Birmingham Rum Festival returns on Saturday 1 July 2017. Tickets and info are available at the festival website.