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There's A Tequila Festival Coming To A City Near You, And You'll Want In

There's A Tequila Festival Coming To A City Near You, And You'll Want In

More than just a party drink

Michael Minay

Michael Minay

See your mate racking up some shots of Tequila, coupled with some salt and a wedge of lime? That's the moment when you know your night out is turning into something more than just a few pints.

For many of us, the idea of necking shot after shot of the Mexican spirit conjures up memories of parties ending early than expected, perhaps even with sick all over the bathroom floor - but that could all be about to change.

One events company is dead set on changing the way we think about Tequila, and they're starting with an entire festival based around the drink - aptly titled 'The Tequila Festival'.

Credit: Facebook

Alex Mason, event manager at Mega Events, is one of the creative minds behind the idea, which will see pop-up Tequila festivals all over the UK this year.

Speaking to LADbible, Alex says: "We wanted to create a Mexican-style fiesta that we can tour the UK with and bring to the masses.

"There are already gin and rum festivals, but The Tequila Festival will have the fun element - the Mexican party.

"With gin and rum, it's all about tasting, and while there is still that element at The Tequila Festival - we will have 30 different Tequilas to try, including Cazcabel, Arette, Patron and Don Julio - we are also going to have DJs, a dance floor, Mexican dancers, and a mariachi band who'll do covers of pop songs as well as traditional Mexican music."

There'll also be a presenter on the day, who'll talk about what is going on and explain all the different events.

Credit: Supplied

The first event takes place in London, at Studio 338, on 19 August, with a follow-up at Manchester's Bowlers exhibition centre just a week later on 26 August.

Tickets are also on sale for Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Brighton and Birmingham - all ready for September and October.

They've also launched in Cardiff, Newcastle, Brighton, Salisbury, Lincoln, Stoke, Belfast and Dublin, meaning you're never likely to be far from one of these shindigs - so keep your eyes peeled for a Tequila Festival near you.

"At each event, there is a Tequila cocktail bar," explains Alex. "There will be Mexican food; tacos and burritos - Mexican street food, basically - and entertainers.

"We absolutely encourage people to dress up; we want them to. A sombrero at the least."

You may also spot a nod or two towards Mexico's famous Día de Muertos holiday - also known as 'Day of the Dead', as seen in films like the 2015 James Bond outing, Spectre.

Credit: MGM / Colombia Pictures

The company expects that, for each event, there will be 1,500 to 2,000 tickets sold. And they are used to big parties, having sold around 200,000 tickets for various events across the year.

"Anyone who enjoys a party is invited," Alex continues. "We are expecting 18- to 30-year-olds in general, but I'm sure there will be a very wide demographic.

"Upon entry, you get a free tequila and a 'Tequila bible' which maps out your journey for the day. People can ask the bar staff about what they would recommend, based on what they like; there'll be beer and other drinks for those who may not be so keen."

Alex explains that the traditional salt-and-lemon/lime accompaniment is provided to help hide the taste of some sour, lesser-quality tequilas, but this festival will see over 30 Tequilas from Mexico made available to try.

"You can sip tequilas, and have them in cocktails, and that's what we want to get across, it's not just shots, it's very much about cocktails," he adds.

Credit: Facebook

As to which iterations of the spirit will make the final 30 (X Factor-style), apart from the ones listed above, it remains to be seen. All will be sourced from Mexico, as for it to be a true Tequila, it has to come from central America - after all, the liquid's name is taken from that of a Mexican city.

There could even be a celebrity appearance. George Clooney, who owns his own Tequila company, Casamigos, has been contacted by Alex and his company.

"Funnily enough I did send an email to George Clooney, but nothing has happened there. Maybe he'll turn up, because he's obviously a fan of the drink."

Booze, plus a Mexican fiesta. What could be better?

Alex concluded: "It's all about experiencing a taste of Mexico, and whether people are tasting Tequilas, watching the performers, or want to be party in true Mexican style, there's something for everyone."

Featured Image Credit: Facebook

Topics: Festival, Mexico, UK