Manchester brewery Cloudwater has announced it will run women-focused events throughout the whole of March in honour of International Women’s Day this year.
Cloudwater is something Manchester should be very proud of. Not only did it almost single handedly put Manchester on the craft beer map worldwide, holding the door open for countless other local brewers to get into the game, but it continues to push things forward in terms of inclusivity, sustainability and creativity, inspiring others to up their game as it does so.
A case in point is that a very male world of beer brewing, Cloudwater ensures that 50% of its team are women. The brewery’s plans for this year’s IWD reflect how important those women are. Not content with a token day of championing women, Cloudwater has extended its IWD celebrations all month.
This year Cloudwater has also created a special beer for International Women’s Day. The brewery has invited people from across Manchester who are “making waves toward a more inclusive, equitable and diverse future within their fields” to make this IWD beer together. The beer is a session IPA with Idaho 7 and Southern Cross hops.
The team involved in making the beer are:
SuppHER – a non profit and inclusive supper club that works to raise funds for charities supporting vulnerable women in the community while celebrating the female talents of hospitality.
Rain On Me FC – a Manchester based grassroots football team who foster inclusivity by providing a space for women and non-binary people to come together over a shared love of the beautiful game.
Underbank Studios – a community-focused, female-led arts project creating opportunities for artists and local people to develop existing practices and engage in art activities. They provide a shared and supportive studio space as well as access to workshops, exhibitions and events.
Emma Zillmann – a festival programmer based in Manchester who is passionate about achieving gender parity on music festival lineups and empowering other women and non-binary people behind the scenes in the male-dominated music promoting world. She runs club nights in her spare time, including the inclusive and body-positive dance party, Everybody Loves Lizzo.
Also involved in making the beer are:
SHE Choir Manchester – welcomes all women and non-binary adults to their free community choir. They are always open to new members – they reckon that if you can sing in the shower, you can sing in the choir. Founded in Manchester by Susie, Hannah and Ellie (S.H.E) in 2010 they have evolved over the years and strive to be an inclusive space.
Reform Radio – an online radio station and arts organisation focusing on engaging young people seeking new opportunities. Their commitment to inclusivity and diversity is reflected in everything they do, from their workshops to their radio shows, and they are proud to support women and non-binary people in all aspects of their work.
Daniela Delneri – University of Manchester Biology Professor of Evolutionary Genomics
Sahara Bhanot, Tabea Gerlach, Jack Sawyer – PHD students in chemistry University of Manchester.
From 28 February-31 March, the taproom will also host the following women-focused events.
Tuesday 28 February – 31 March IWD Underbank Studio art exhibition – free
From 3pm til late on 28 February an exhibition from female-led community arts project Underbank Studios will launch and the artworks will stay on display at the taproom til the end of March. The exhibition features the work of 16 resident artists each interpreting what womanhood means to them. There will be a live mural painting at the launch by artist Heather Chambers. Ten per cent from the sale of artworks will be donated to the Pankhurst Trust.
Wednesday 8 March IWD beer launch party – free
From 6pm head to the taproom to try the new IWD beer and have a singalong with SHE choir. The choir will perform pop bangers from the likes of Beyonce and Self Esteem from 6.30pm and attendees are encourage to join in. DJs from Reform Radio will take over from 7pm til late.
Saturday 11 March – Screen printing workshop – £15
Mancunian artist, designer and co-creator of mental health and socio-politics magazine Riso, Lucy Grainge will show you how to screen print your very own IWD tote bag.
Thursday 16 March – An evening with women in STEM – free
From 7-9pm enjoy anevening of talks and discussions with women working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The event will highlight women’s stories covering their paths into these male-led industries and addressing the barriers faced by them.
Saturday 18 March – IWD brewery tour with brewer Amy Booth – £11 or free for students
From 12-1pm join a tour of the brewery with female brewer Amy Booth. You’ll learn about Cloudwater’s brewing process and see the science and tech behind the scenes with an IWD beer tasting at the end.
Monday 27 March – SuppHER supper club – £60pp including paired beer
From 7pm join the SuppHER team for an evening of dishes created by top Manchester chefs Anna Søgaard (formerly Erst) Baneta Yelda (Companio Bakery), Ngwafu Tansie (Gwafu Vegan) and
Seri Nam (Flawd / formerly Where the Light Gets In) along with paired beers. All of the profits from this event will be donated to Choose Love, an organisation working to send aid to those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syrah.
Cloudwater Brewery Taproom, Piccadilly Trading Estate, Unit 9, Gidding Rd, Manchester M1 2NP
