The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) sponsored the eighth annual Fools & Fans Festival, held over the past weekend in the charming town of Greyton in the Western Cape. The event welcomed over a thousand beer lovers from across the country to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and heritage of South African brewing.
This year’s festival once again brought together both commercial brewers and home brewers in a shared spirit of community, collaboration, and passion for beer. Attendees were treated to a wide variety of the newest and best brews the country has to offer, with tastings and opportunities to engage directly with the brewers behind them.
“As BASA, we are committed to uplifting and showcasing South Africa’s beer culture while reinforcing the importance of responsible consumption,” said Archy Hlahla, Marketing and Communications manager. “Fools & Fans embodies the values we stand for — creativity, inclusivity, community, and responsibility.”
The unique location of Greyton lends itself to promoting BASA’s message of responsible consumption. With the entire town easily walkable, visitors were able to enjoy the festival without the need to drive — a key element in ensuring safe and mindful enjoyment of beer.
A major highlight of the weekend was the highly anticipated Home Brew Competition, one of the largest of its kind in the country. This year saw 180 home brewers compete for top honours, with festivalgoers tasting entries and voting in the People’s Choice Award. Congratulations to Lee Carpenter, who took home this year’s top accolade.
BASA remains committed to supporting platforms that not only celebrate the vibrant local beer industry but also help foster a culture of moderation and responsibility. Through partnerships like Fools & Fans, the association continues to elevate the profile of beer in South Africa, from grassroots brewers to established names.