Ernest Hemingway quaffed litres of the stuff, Captain Jack Sparrow went into mourning when his personal collection was set alight and it’s famed for being the tipple of choice for pirates the world over.
Of course, I’m talking about rum.
And now Manchester rum-lovers will get the opportunity to get their Tiki on and sample a wide variety of rums and rum-based cocktails at the inaugural UK Tiki Fest later this month.
Event curators Captain Lyndon Higgins, of The Liars Club, and Bart Murphy, of Hula Lounge, will be organising the week-long celebration at a variety of bars and clubs on the aptly-named Rum Street, culminating in a two-day rum festival in central Manchester.
Lyndon Higginson, of The Liars Club, said: “This is year one for the UK Tiki Fest and we hope it will be the first of many, we want something to rival Tiki Oasis in San Diego.
“Our aim is to bring a Polynesian slice of Tiki mayhem to all the greatest bars of Manchester and further afield and drink rum! Let’s get our Tiki on Manchester!”
Rum enthusiasts will get the chance to learn about the world’s best rums from brand experts and the city’s finest bar tenders and have a cheeky sample along the way.
Manchester will be transformed into a Polynesian paradise when the opening party kicks off on Friday August 23, at a venue yet to be confirmed, featuring Tiki carvings, sand sculptures, reggae music, live bands, a burlesque performer, DJs, Caribbean food and, of course, a well-stocked rum bar.
The weekend will also play host to the infamous Sailor Jerry Roll with the Punches cocktail competition where bartenders will battle it out to create the best Sailor Jerry Spiced-based cocktails while entertaining the audience with their showmanship.
UK Tiki Fest are also looking for people who most embody the spirit of Tiki in looks, banter and skills to be crowned Miss Tiki UK and Mr Tiki UK.
Those wanting to attend will be able to buy a wristband from any of the participating venues to gain access to the week’s events, including The Liars Club, Hula Lounge, Keko Moku, M Tiki and many more.
If you fancy your chances in the Miss and Mr Tiki UK competition, apply by submitting the below information to emma(at)heartandsoulevents.co.uk
* A picture of themselves that encapsulates them at their most Tiki
* A bio stating why they think they should be the winner
* A description of a special skill, the freakier the better, which will be displayed in public at Tiki Fest if selected for the final
For more information about UK Tiki Fest, click here.
Picture courtesy of StrangeTikiGod via Flickr, with thanks
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