I’m always telling people what I’m looking forward to, but RumFest has generated thousands of happy visitors over the years and everyone’s experience was different.  I mean we can’t all be going for exactly the same reasons can we?

I know what I'm looking forward to, but I know for sure that there is such a wide variety of entertainment going on over the two days that there really is something for everyone.

RumFest 2010 is going to be the third consecutive year that we’ve attended.  We missed the first and we certainly don’t intend missing any more.  I know it’s a story that I've told before, but RumFest really was the making of TheFloatingRumShack.com.  It was an epiphany moment of sorts – perhaps not the clouds parting, rays of light dazzling us and a booming voice telling us to go forth and talk rum to the UK masses kind of moment… but it ran pretty close.

We made our first few contacts in the rum world and the shape of our lives in the next couple of years was set.  RumFest brings a smile to my face every time I think about it.  I’ll be going along to meet my friends, make new ones and keep up to date with what’s new in the world of sugar cane spirits.

But what about you?

You’re reading this, hopefully with a sense of shared excitement and it could be that you went last year or that it’s your first time or that you've been every year and you’re hoping that when you get to your fifth you automatically get a special badge that proclaims you to be a Grand Master in the Inner Sanctum Of Cane Spirits.

The different aspects of RumFest mean that you could spend pretty much all day enjoying presentations on all aspects of rum production, learning about the history of Tiki or an iconic cocktail.  Perhaps you are just interested in knowing what it is about a subject that makes someone devote their entire life to it.  I guarantee that listening to a master blender share their passion for rum will make you think differently about your day job!  Don’t be mistaken in the belief that if you’re listening to a presentation that the event will be drink free – don’t worry – it won’t!  Rums and cocktails are very likely to be present.

Education doesn't start and end with the seminars.  Get yourself a seat in front of the main stage and learn all about the art of making cocktails from the very best.  You’ll pick up plenty of tips and before you know it – you’ll be caught by bug!  If simple syrup doesn't reside in your fridge right now – I’m sure it will after watching the cocktail master classes.  Mixologist terms like Boston shaker, swizzle and dilution will all soon be part of your vocabulary.

Fancy a hand or two of dominos whilst enjoying some live musical entertainment?  Yeap – RumFest has that covered for you too!

I think that there’s a pretty good chance that your there for the opportunity to taste a few of the biggest selection of rums you’re likely to ever experience under one roof!  Sip, savour and buy – there’s never a better opportunity.  The people running the stands are best placed to take you through the finer points of their products.  Agricole to Cachaça to Rum – all have a story to tell and that’s just the start.  The width, depth and breadth in the variety of flavours will blow you away!

Did I mention the competitions?  No?  Maybe next time eh!

So it doesn't matter if you’re a novice or an expert, a dedicated rum drinker or a first timer – RumFest has something for everyone.  I hope to see you there!

Pete