There’s a big tequila festival taking place in Manchester this weekend

Just in case you’re thinking there simply isn’t enough going on this weekend, you can celebrate the spirit of Mexico at a massive tequila festival coming to Manchester on Saturday.

The Tequila Festival is on the second leg of a national tour of 16 major cities in the UK – and its visit to Manchester promises a tequila tasting journey with over 30 to try.

Just check out the current craze for tequila – the national drink of Mexico made from agave leaves – with sales soaring 37% to £173million in 2016.

So even if your experience of tequila is limited to slammers on a night out, this event will show that there is so much more to this drink than you may first think.

And Manchester’s version of The Tequila Festival will be pulling out all the stops to celebrate.

It’s a whole day of an experience starting off with visitors receiving a tequila bible on arrival to accompany them throughout the day, complete with a complimentary shot.

There will be traditional Mexican dancing  along with the spectacle of mariachi band, recognising the role of tequila in the Mexican fiesta. DJs will be spinning house music with a Latin twist throughout, and a range of spectacular performers will entertain the crowds, alongside colourful piñatas and processions inspired by Mexico’s Day of The Dead celebrations.

As well as a tequila cocktail bar, the Amigos beer bar and Jose Cuervo Tequila truck will be on hand to serve your tipple of choice.

There’s plenty to satisfy your appetite too. Tequila is also used in Mexican cooking and there will be a wide range of specialist food available to help soak up the drink and inspire the tastebuds. Be sure to check out the specialist Mexican food stalls.

Festival organiser Nathan Reed said: “Tequila is a drink that is associated with a great party all across the world. However, it is also now being recognised as a more sophisticated, crafted drink with a rich variety of flavours.

“Tequila has a very strong cultural identity, so we wanted to bring this to life and put on a festival that celebrates the remarkable diversity and history of this wonderful drink. The Tequila Festival will be an unmissable party, full of music and entertainment, and of course, a chance to taste the best Tequilas under the sun.”

The Tequila Festival is a celebration of the history, culture, and variety of tastes of this much-loved drink. Tickets are on sale from just £16 (with a table for 6 people available for £80) here.

Bowlers Exhibition Centre, 26 August, 1pm till 11pm.