A BREW of bands and beverages awaits visitors to a popular Northwich event returning to the town centre this weekend.

The 22nd Northwich Beer Festival takes place at Northwich Memorial Court on Friday and Saturday with an array of 70 beers and ciders to choose from.

Organised by the Rotary clubs of Northwich and Northwich Vale Royal, the festival was formerly held at Northwich Memorial Hall, but moved out to Winnington Park Recreation Club while the new Memorial Court facility was built.

Steve Wheat, beer festival chairman, said: "We're delighted to return to the centre of Northwich in the new Memorial Court.

"Ticket sales are going well and everything's in place for the best Beer Festival ever.

"I've noticed some good omens in the beer list including the well named 'Homecoming' from the Scarborough Brewery plus 'Business as Usual' from Derby Brewing Company. "The bands are always a big part of every beer festival and this year we've Bill Brooks Blue's Band on Friday and Traces of Nutz on Saturday. "So everything's in place for two really good nights, together with the quiet seated session on Saturday lunchtime."

For cider drinkers there are some potent brews, including Gladiator, from Lilley's, at nine per cent ABV, a perry and an apple lager Mad Jack, brewed by the Candian Brewing Company, as well as Aspall's Spadger, which is suitable for coeliacs and vegetarians.

The beer list contains porter, mild, IPA, stout, larger, bitters, and a wheat beer, as well as a fruit beer or two.

Steve said: "We're looking forward to seeing all our old friends, plus some new ones over the two days and of course we hope we'll raise lots of money for our local good causes. "As we say each year real ales, real ciders, real music, real good!"

Tickets are still on sale at Jack Gee's Cycles, Northwich Tourist Information Centre or online at Northwichbeerfestival.co.uk.

Sessions are from 5pm on Friday, noon to 4pm on Saturday and from 7pm on Saturday.

  • Don't forget to pick up today's Guardian for the fourth and final beer token in a set entitling you to a free drink at the event. Terms and conditions apply.