“Every dial tone, every truck stop, every heartbreak,
I love you more
Looking like you just woke up from making songs,
Shooting satellites that blew up the pay phones...
Singing we'll all be together,
Even when we're not together
With our arms around each other,
With our faith still in each other

I've got calling cards
From 20 years ago…..”

Calling Cards - Neko Case

Back in October 2014, 37 people came through the doors at St Sebastian’s Community Centre to drink at the first session of The Independent Salford Beer Festival. I don’t mind saying that we were flying a little blind.

It was a small new event. We leaned heavily on one or two people who knew what they were doing (because I certainly didn’t!). But one of the things that sticks with me is how many of those people returned the next year – and each subsequent year. That’s guests and #ISBFFamily both.

Brewing at Revolutions Brewing in 2015 (The Queen Is Not Dead - Sorachi Stout)

That first year, all of the beers were suggested and supplied by the 36 breweries. Each beer (for the first 2 events) was in cask. That first year, we took part in one brew day (on that occasion with Deeply Vale of Bury – the music links were important. Even then) , then stepped up in Year 2, with several brew days. Sadly, of the 7 we brewed with that year, only 1 of the breweries are still brewing (Five Towns)

Mark Johnson - Pulping Kiwi Fruit at (the greatly missed) Tickety Brew in Oct 2016

It has been incredibly flattering - over the years – to have taken an active part in more and more brews. From helping with beer ideas, recipe thoughts, stirring, digging, mauling hops and cleaning vessels.

The breweries don’t have to do this. This event is too small to boost profiles. They do it because they want to. They get what we’re trying to achieve. The good that we’re – as a whole – trying to do.

Brewing on the Elusive Brewing “Home Brew” kit in 2017 (A now ISBF Annual Tradition)

This is a small event. Deliberately so. So for some of the UKs finest to invite us in never ceases to amaze me. To be frank, it gets me a little bit emotional just thinking about it.

This year, we started making beer a few months earlier than normal, in May, with a Bourbon Barrel Aged ESB at Tom’s Tap & Brewhouse. (I’m actively drooling at the prospect of tasting that!)

Then, earlier this month, I was at Northern Monk, with Brian and Fraser, brewing a rather unique American Brown (We’ll be the only place you’ll get to try that!)

American Brown - Northern Monk - Sept 2026

Starting next Tuesday, we’ll be collaborating on another 11 beers. (You read that right. ELEVEN)

Steam Machine (Newton Aycliffe); Elusive (Finchampsted); Torrside (New Mills); North Riding (Scarborough); Lakes (Kendal); Five Towns (Wakefield); Pictish (Rochdale); Marble (Salford); Mallinsons (Huddersfield); Runaway (Stockport). (And – possibly – a multi brewery collab, in Yorkshire, especially for us)

This love, from the brewing community, helps to make our little event feel a bit special. And gives us that warm feeling, knowing that the community cares about what we do as much as we do.

Attending the World Suicide Prevention Day vigil (outside Salford Art Gallery) recently reminded me and The Boss just how important the work is that the wonderful people at Start Inspiring Minds do. The reason WE do what we do.

Chris hard at work enjoying himself - Last year at Runaway

Being “Not For Profit”, every ticket sold, every beer purchased, every raffle ticket, they all make SUCH a difference. YOU make a difference. Please don’t ever forget that.

Digging Out at Lakes Brew Co - October 2025

Speaking of tickets, have you got yours yet? With 3 sessions already sold out (and one more – Thursday Evening – getting close) there really aren’t many left. Come join us. Be part of our little community, doing good things.

Ticket Link here -

Back next week, with news about #ISBFXI Brewday #3, at Steam Machine. What liquid joys await?

Be kind to one another.

Jim x

Friends Working Together - The #ISBFXI Collaborations

#ISBFXI - The Chilled Sessions