Brewers and patrons enjoy festival atmosphere

Brewers from the Far North to the Deep South have made their way to the Dunedin Craft Beer & Food Festival.

The festival started yesterday afternoon, attracting a near sellout crowd to Forsyth Barr Stadium.

It continues today at noon and all 6000 tickets have been sold.

Enjoying the atmosphere at the Dunedin Craft Beer & Food Festival at Forsyth Barr Stadium yesterday are (from left) Tania Ellerbrock, Kerry McKee Bowdler, Jo Fletcher and Emma Bell, all of Dunedin. PHOTOS: PETER MCINTOSH

Bohemian Cider co-owner Justin Oliver and his wife Cynthia travelled to Dunedin from Matakana, north of Auckland, to attend once again.

"We love Dunedin, so we like coming down for the festival. Love the locals, love the vibe."

The couple flew down to Nelson to attend the New Zealand Cider Festival, before getting on the road to Dunedin, Mr Oliver said.

People’s enjoyment of the festival and the well-run nature of it all kept them coming back.

Sam Post, of Arc Brewing Co, serves a beer to thirsty customers.

Ground Up Brewing brewer Jules Webster said the brewery had attended the festival for nine years and tried to experiment each time.

"It's probably one of the best beer festivals in the South Island.

"[I’ve] done most of the ones in the South Island over the years, but this is definitely by far the busiest and the best."

The brewery is based in Wānaka.

Quick Brown Fox Coffee Liqueur, which is based in Dunedin, has only missed the festival once.

Becca Caffyn, of Dunedin, plays with her band The Piss Horns.

Managing director Arjun Haszard forgot the festival was on one year, which is why the company missed it.

"Ever since then we've been coming.

"It's been really cool to see it grow into such a popular event. It's probably one of the best events in the country. I love that it's under cover. Punters are always in a good mood."