Venues tap into beer festival’s after party

Two Busselton venues are teaming up to co-host the South West Craft Beer Festival’s official afterparty next weekend.
The Firestation and Darleens hope to capitalise on what is expected to be a bustling foreshore by drawing people into the CBD and having an afterparty spanning both venues.
The bizarre “tropical hillbilly goes down town” theme is surprisingly self explanatory.
Both venues have brewed tropical-inspired beers especially for the occasion, the bands are influenced by country music to varying degrees, and the aim is to get people into the CBD.
“A lot of people think we’re in competition but really we want to collaborate,” Darleens venue manager Liam Marsh said.
“As venues, we’re trying to accomplish the same thing – draw more people into the town.”
Three bands — Doug & Cletus, Dallas Royal and Dan Howl, will each play an hour-long set at both venues, and with each band switch, kegs will be exchanged.
The Firestation has collaborated with Eagle Bay Brewing Co to create a passionfruit mango sour beer, while Darleens and Rocky Ridge Brewing Co have brewed a Caribbean gold watermelon concoction.
The Firestation manager Josh Hill said it would be a total tap takeover of local “sessionable” beers.
Festivities begin from 6pm Saturday, February 16.
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