Piccadilly Gardens hotel to be turned into tiki heaven as rum festival returns

Manchester Rum Festival is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever this year, as people flock to the event from all over the world.

What’s more, the Manchester Mercure Hotel in Piccadilly Gardens will be turned into a tiki haven complete with beach-style deck chairs and an Instagram backdrop photo wall, designed for the very best selfies and social grid pics. 

This year, the city will preview three rum brands that are making their festival debut – Ron Aguere from the Canaries, Ron Colón from El Salvador and Ron Santiago de Cuba will all be available to taste and buy for festival attendees – all for the very first time.

Ron Aguere Rums come from the sunny Canary Islands, and the range includes an exquisite caramel Rum, a Coconut Rum and a Honey Rum. Perfect for sweet-toothed rum lovers and for those who love cocktails that taste like heavenly desserts.

Ron Colón from the beautiful Central American country of El Salvador produces a collection of highly esteemed rums including a High Proof rum and a cold coffee infused rum.

Meanwhile, Ron Santiago de Cuba rums are only produced in the famous Cradle of Light Rum. They are created to embody the terroir, history and expertise of the Cuban rum making tradition.

Additionally, ticket holders will be able to make the most of the day by enjoying food from British Virgin Island cuisine legends Nyammin’, who will be cooking up a flavoursome Caribbean storm from their pop-up stand in the venue.

As well as Rums from sunnier climes the world over, fans will be treated to expressions from local brands The Salford Rum Company, female-led Diablesse, the Spirit of Manchester and Tameside Distillery – all of which will be showcasing their newest expressions as well as their core ranges at the event.

“We are absolutely gearing up for a party atmosphere this year, and we cannot wait to open the doors to all of the people who are flocking to the city especially for the festival,” said festival founder and rum expert, Dave Marsland.

“Supporting the city’s on-trade and bolstering the hospitality industry is vital after such a tumultuous two years, and now that consumer confidence is returning, we feel it’s our duty to put on a good bash!

“Guests will be able to taste rums from over 60 producers, sample incredible cocktail creations by The Liar’s Club, and dance to music and entertainment by festival stalwart, DJ Dom.

“The festival – which is sponsored by Stratford Sodas – will feature expressions from single and multi-distillery producers to flavour-enhanced bottlings and will bring together rum producers, bartenders, enthusiasts and rum fans from all over the region, the country and even the world.

“It’s great to put Manchester on the map as a destination for amazing spirits and hospitality.”  

Manchester Rum Festival runs from 12pm to 7pm on Saturday 18th June 2022 at Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, Piccadilly Gardens. Tickets are priced at £25 and involves all available samples from the rum brands. Find out more and book tickets here.