REAL ale fans are expected to convene in Northwich over the weekend for the annual beer festival.

Now in its 24th year, the event will take place at Northwich Memorial Court on Friday, September 22 and Saturday 23.

More 50 real ales and ciders from around the country and beyond will be available.

Steve Wheat, from Northwich Vale Royal Rotary Club, revealed there will be something different at this year’s festival if beer and cider is not your thing.

Steve, who is the bar manager at the festival, said: “Alongside out 50 plus beers we have 12 ciders, including fruit ciders, and there will be a Prosecco bar, sponsored by Tesco, and there is also a wine bar.

“Hopefully there will be something for everybody. I like to think this is a unique opportunity to come along and try some craft beers and ciders.”

Steve said a majority of the beers on offer at the festival are sourced from Cheshire.

He said: “Most of our beers were selected from Cheshire breweries.

“There’s something like 38 microbreweries within Cheshire, so where possible we like to use a good selection from local breweries.”

There will will also be live entertainment during the evening.

Friday night will see cover band Salt Rox playing a selection of well-known rock and pop hits.

The Directions, who play Blues, Soul and Rock and Roll, will take to the stage on the Saturday.

The Beer Festival is organised by The Rotary Club of Northwich and The Rotary Club of Northwich Vale Royal and money raised on the evening goes to charity.

Last year £10,000 was donated to a number of good causes.

This year the event will be helping to raise funds for Speakability, Men in Sheds, Lostock Scout Group, Sandiway Playing Fields, Cheshire Downs Syndrome, Brain Tumour Support Group and CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

To buy tickets visit northwichbeer.wixsite.com/northwichbeer/tickets