Manchester Rum Festival 2025

Manchester Rum Festival has firmly cemented itself as a standout on the UK rum calendar.

What sets Manchester apart is its blend. Not just the rum (though there’s plenty of that), but the mix of brands on show. It’s one of the few events where you can walk up to a big, established name like Mount Gay or Planteray, then turn a few steps and discover a small independent label pouring their heart (and latest single cask) into your tasting glass. There’s a romance to it all… almost like a farmers market for rum: honest, approachable, and full of genuine passion.

And you can feel it in the room, producers and ambassadors who’ve made the trip not just to sell bottles but to tell stories. To talk fermentation, esters and casks, and to proudly explain their new releases without the gloss or gatekeeping.

Whilst I’d love to see more water points, spittoons and actual tasting glasses that really is splitting hairs… 

Honestly Manchester Rum Festival is a gem, and a welcome northern counterpart to the more London-centric rum events. One that I’ll be continuing to attend for years to come.