Attendees were given opportunity to purchase tickets throughout the event from Jamie and Paul, and the allure of prizes (and the charitable nature of guests) was proven by the total raffle ticket sales amounting to £200 (over 100% more than expected)!
There was much tension over who would win the unique Magic Rock Brewery sign as many had their eye on it, but as there were plenty of other great prizes such as SIBA beer festival tickets and Acorn Brewery light and dark ale sets, those who won seemed happy with their prizes.
Immediately after the raffle finished, Sheffield based country bluegrass duo 'The Wild Sons of Gentlemen' took to the stage. Armed with one double bass, an acoustic guitar, a harmonica and some gravelly voices, the band brought plenty of foot tapping and head bobbing into the room. The live music brought an additional dimension to the event, encouraging guests to stay and enjoy a couple more tipples from the Sheffield Tap's bar, while taking in a charismatic and original live performance.
Throughout all of this going on at the event, in intervals between the tasting workshop, nibbles, and live music, guests were invited to walk around the Sheffield Tap's very own microbrewery which produces their 'Untapped Co' brews.
Guests were given the opportunity to look around the brewery's equipment and ask Liz the Sheffield Tap's assistant manager any questions about the brewing process - a fantastic chance for anyone who has never looked around one, or with an interest in the brewing process!
However uniquely, in addition guests could enjoy a beer mat exhibition set up around the brewery's fermenting tanks. Amy showed guests around the space, highlighting it's centrepiece; a beer mat design created in collaboration with Sheffield artist Nick Grindrod. The design was developed in partnership with the Untapped organisers, and represents Sheffield's relationship with ale.
Attendees could view and read about the development of the design, also able to take a commemorative beer mat home with them, which features references to local drinking culture and Sheffield's industrious past.
Also grabbing the attention of many guests, was a beer mat tower built by artist Katie Lawes consisting of some clever tongue - in - cheek original designs. The piece was titled 'Towering GoNADS' to give you a hint...
Many of the event's guests stayed until 7pm when unfortunately, it was time to say goodbye, with a number of them taking the time to express to various Untapped team members their enjoyment of the event.
The 2014 Untapped event was certainly a success, leaving scope for the Sheffield Tap, charity, or organisers to carry out a similar event again...
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Beer mat exhibition featuring work by Nick Grindrod and Katie Lawes