A festival to showcase craft beer is coming to Taranaki and organisers hope it will attract people with curious palates and inquisitive minds.

Due to his own love affair with craft beer, Brett Cursons pitched the idea of setting up an event in the region to Kymon Hill, who is part of KDJ Catering and has a long association with the Taranaki hospitality scene.

By adding Cursons’ passion for beer with the years of experience the company has gained through its involvement in major events, Hill saw the potential, which has been matched by public interest in the debut occasion, which will run from April 1-2 next year.

All 500 pre-sale tickets sold out in two weeks and the online buzz continued to build, Hill said.

Cursons, who was not afraid to admit to doing his fair share of market research, said 35 brewers had signed on to be part of the festival, including local makers.

“The craft beer footprint has grown exponentially in Taranaki.”

He said while the craft beer scene was increasing in its appeal across the age and gender spectrum, cider and seltzer drinks will also get a chance to shine.

Food and entertainment will be other drawcards to the event, which will be held at New Plymouth’s TSB Stadium, along with providing a chance for punters to quiz the “science” of beer making.

“Brewers love being asked how they do stuff,” he said.

The festival, which has a capacity of 5000 people, will be an opportunity for those in the region to attend a homegrown event, but would hopefully attract visitors too.