The Manchester Rum Festival is back in the city this summer

The Manchester Rum Festival is back in the city this summer, and will bring a whopping 30 rum brands from around the world – including some never-tasted-before brands and the world’s first dry spiced Cuban rum – to our city.

After rum fans were left festival-less due to the pandemic, the 2020/21 event is finally all set to place Manchester on the map as a rum destination around the world. 

Visitors can expect a jam-packed day of education, immersion, and celebration of all things rum.  

Where is Manchester Rum Festival?

This year’s festival takes place in a new venue, the 4-star Mercure Hotel at the heart of the city in Piccadilly Gardens.

Rum and Coca-Cola is a classic serve, but this year it will be taken to the next level with Coca-Cola Signature Mixers, sponsors of Manchester Rum Festival 2021.

Featuring expressions from single and multi-distillery producers, to flavour-enhanced bottlings, as well as drinks, food by Mecure and live music, this is a drinks festival like no other, bringing together rum producers and brands, mixologists, spirits enthusiasts, and rum fans. 

Hailing from Jamaica and Venezuela to Manchester and Lancashire, contemporary brands such as Saint Benevolence, AB Gold, Ninefold and Montanya will be showcased for the first time at the event, while local brands Diablesse, Salford Rum, Witch Kings and City of Manchester Distillery are also confirmed as exhibitors.

New Cuban rum brand Black Tears, from the Island Rum Company, will also be available on taste – the world’s first dry spiced Cuban rum.  

Altogether, over 1,000 litres of rum will be poured in Manchester. 

Rum fun in the city

The Manchester Rum Festival was established five years ago by Dave Marsland, a Manchester-based event curator, spirits expert and bar owner, to put Manchester on the map as a rum destination and to showcase the contribution the north west is making within the rum renaissance.  

“The event has grown in size, attendance and importance every year and I’m so excited we have such fantastic brands exhibiting this year,” says Dave.

“We’re in talks with more producers so we’ll be adding to the exhibitor list over the coming weeks.  

“The rum industry is definitely in revival mode and rum makers are raising the bar when it comes to quality, sophistication and creativity of finished products and serves.

“It’s amazing that we have so many top end rum brands and products being launched right here in the north west, and we promise a warm Mancunian welcome to all of our rum producers and guests. 

“Like many events, we have had to postpone and rearrange several times due to the pandemic, so we are thrilled to be able to have a set date and a new venue to bring some much-needed rum fun to the city!

“What’s more, the space has a huge occupancy, so attendees can enjoy what’s on offer in a substantial space with safety measures firmly in place wherever required.”

The event has been a sell-out for the previous four years.

When is Manchester Rum Festival?

Manchester Rum Festival runs from 12pm to 7pm, Saturday 28th August, Mercure Piccadilly Gardens.

Tickets are priced at £30 plus booking fee, including all samples. Mercure bar and food is not included. A selection of rums will be able to purchase by the bottle to take away. ItThe event is over 21s only. 

Find out more and get tickets at manchesterrumfestival.com.