Reef inspired brews headed to the Quay

The team will be bringing their exciting Reef Range of North Queensland inspired brews to the Festival Hub from June 30 to July 3 and again on July 7 and 8.

Ballistic Whitsundays head brewer Liam Paget said the team would be bringing the Ballistic mobile bar with the Reef Lager, Reef Pale, Reef Red Ale and Reef Mid Lager.

“The Reef Range is crisp, refreshing and easy-drinking to suit our tropical climate,” Mr Paget said.

“The Red Ale is a little more malty – it’s English inspired – and tends to be a hit with more mature drinkers who often comment that it reminds them of beers they’ve drank decades ago that you can’t find any more in Australia,” he said.

“For those that like the bigger, hoppier beers, we will have a selection of Ballistic favourites available in tins.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Ballistic Whitsundays team were brewing some great beers that were also supporting our local environment.

“Ballistic Whitsundays is a big supporter of Libby Edge’s Eco Barge Clean Seas project,” he said.

“Every Reef Beer sold contributes 10c to Eco Barge Clean Seas, which cleans up litter and pollutants from our offshore islands, including Blacksmith Island, Goldsmith Island, Keyser Island, Linne Island, Thomas Island and Tinsmith Island.

“Funds are also used to support the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.”

Acting manager MECC and Events Jemma Carey said while trying new brews was obviously a drawcard, the Festival Hub was a family friendly event.

“The aim of the Festival Hub is to provide the ultimate space to get together before or after a number of Festival events where you can enjoy live music, roving entertainment, great food and drinks and talk about what you’ve seen and plan what to attend next,” Ms Carey said.

“The event is completely free, but due to the event being licensed, we have had to cap numbers at 500 per night,” she said.

“So, to avoid disappointment, we are encouraging Hub-goers to head to our website (themecc.com.au/festivals) and book their free tickets straight away.”

If for some reason you can’t make it to the Festival Hub, don’t panic, because there’s a chance we will be seeing more of the Ballistic team in our region in the future.

Liam Paget said Ballistic was very interested in having a more permanent presence in the Mackay region.

“It’s no secret that we have been looking at locations in Mackay, and this will be a great trial run for our beers on tap in the local market,” he said.

“We love Mackay and have been in town recently working with the guys at Red Dog Brewery on a collaboration beer that I hope will show up on taps in the Mackay and Whitsundays in the not-so-distant future, so keep an eye out for that.”

The full line-up of performers at the Festival Hub are:

• Thursday, June 30, 6pm – 9pm – Shaun Diver Music
• Friday, July 1, 6pm – 9pm – Bella Mackenzie
• Saturday, July 2, 6pm – 9pm – Jonte
• Sunday, July 3, 6pm – 9pm – Tiffany Grace
• Thursday, July7, 6pm – 9pm – Red Dirt Blues Band
• Friday, July 8, 6pm – 9pm – G Force

Sensory Circus Tribe will be onsite at the Festival Hub performing at the following times:

• Thursday, June 30, 6pm to 7pm – street theatre
• Friday, July 1, 7pm to 7.45pm – fire twirling
• Saturday, July 2, 7pm to 7.45pm - fire twirling
• Sunday, July 3, 6pm to 7pm – street theatre
• Thursday, July 7, 7pm to 7.45pm – fire twirling
• Friday, July 8, 7pm to 7.45pm – fire twirling