Liverpool’s Albert Dock will play host to an inaugural two-day rum festival this weekend.
The event will showcase some of the Dock’s finest restaurant and bars and their wide selection of rums, authentic Caribbean cuisine and live performances from various dance and music act.
The international arts organisation, Brouhaha International, launching the festival on Saturday.
Colin Bordley, who works as part of Albert Dock marketing team, told JMU Journalism: “We’re very excited and hopeful of a really good turnout from local people and visitors alike. It’s a new event for the city and we’ve tried to offer a selection of activities and events that people of all ages can enjoy – even non-drinkers and those not old enough to drink rum. We’re trying to create something that the whole family can enjoy – from those who know nothing about rum, through to rum connoisseurs.”
The event was first suggested by the Smugglers Cove back in August due to its wide rum cabinet. It proposed a festival to showcase the varied selection it and other venues along the Docks and has invited them to put forward ideas for activities and offers surrounding the spirit.
Jessica Gallier, Smugglers Cove’s business development manager, told JMU Journalism: “All staff here at the Smugglers Cove and living ventures are extremely excited for the festival this weekend. It’s been a long time in the making. I personally can’t wait.”
The popular bar is also offering a number of rum tastings throughout the weekend, with eight different samples on offer. A live steel band will also perform on Saturday. A number of venues along the Docks will be hosting activities.
Circo is holding rum cocktail ‘master classes’, as well as laying on a circus themed live dinner show, complete with acrobats, trapeze artists and conjurers. Le Crepe Rit is offering a range of festival flambé crepes and half price rum.
Revolution bar will be holding two for one offers on hotdogs and pizzas. Gusto i celebrating the event with a special on zombie and orange daiquiris, with their staff dressing up especially for the occasion.
For the teetotallers, Costa Coffee will be selling a range of ‘Caribbean coolers’ across the two days.