The Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular has been forced to relocate from its traditional home at Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, Melbourne.

However, it has been revealed the Royal Exhibition Building, a world heritage listed site, requires an estimated $50million in repairs. Further,  the organisers were informed months after they had gone on exhibitor stand sales for the event that Heritage Victoria had imposed new regulations and restrictions on usage of Royal Exhibition Building which ultimately severely impacted GABS’ ability to deliver the festival in the traditional indoor format that fans have come to love and expect over the years. 

“It is a move we did not anticipate making in Melbourne and with the craft brewing industry having faced significant challenges recently with so many breweries under extreme pressure, we’re calling on all beer loving Australians to get down to a GABS Festival this year and come out in record numbers to get behind the 150 plus breweries that will have beers pouring on the tour,” said GABS MD Mike Bray.

“It’s a great opportunity to be part of the country’s biggest indoor ale trail and support so many breweries in one fun session, on one day.” 

As such, out of respect for the building that they’ve called home for many years, along with protecting the curation and delivery of GABS Festival position as one of the best in the world, the GABS Festival Melbourne leg will be relocated.

The show will go on in the format beer fans all love and that GABS has successfully delivered in other Australian cities at the fantastic Melbourne Showgrounds, home of the Melbourne Royal Show, which attracts over 450,000 visitors each year, as well as many big-name concerts.

GABS will go on a whirlwind three-city tour in June, visiting Sydney and Brisbane in addition to Melbourne.

2024 GABS festival dates

SYDNEY

ICC, Darling Harbour 

Fri 31 May – Sat 1 June 2024

BRISBANE

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank

Fri 14 – Sat 15 June 2024

MELBOURNE

Melbourne Showgrounds, Flemington
Fri 21 – Sun 23 June 2024

General public tickets will be on sale in March and be available from www.gabsfestival.com 

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