The tickets for the Macclesfield Beer Festival are selling fast, as beer lovers are getting ready to quench their thirst in style and enjoy the new food offerings.

Ben Whiteley, of Macclesfield Roundtable, which organises the event, said ticket sales are already as high as at the same point last year when 4,000 people turned up. He said: “We are expecting to sell out, so we advise people to buy the tickets as soon as possible. You can’t buy the tickets at the door.”

The organisers have also responded to calls from last year’s visitors, when they only offered cold sandwiches, and extended the menu.

He added: “This year, we are having a much larger food offering. There will be wood-fired pizzas and a hog roast.”

And with more than 200 beers, perries and ciders on offer, he recommended to try some of the more exotic choices, such as a chocolate or fruit-infused beer. All proceeds of the festival will go to East Cheshire Hospice, which is planning to build a bereavement centre for children having lost a loved one to cancer.

As the festival goes into its 21st year, the organisers are hoping to raise at least £21,000.

Businesses and individuals, who wish to sponsor the event, should get in touch with Micky Jones at michael@prjonesjewellers.co.uk.

The Macclesfield Beer Festival is on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 at Macclesfield Rugby Club on Priory Lane.

Tickets are £10, including a 21st anniversary glass, and can be bought online at www.macclesfieldbeerfestival.org and in selected pubs across Macclesfield.

The Saturday day time session, which offers a programme for the whole family, is free of charge.

The festival is again supported by the main sponsors SAS Daniels and Bennett Brooks Chartered Accountants.