THE ALES are stocked and the pint pots are stacked for Macclesfield Beer Festival – celebrating its 15th year.
Held on Friday and Saturday (May 8 and 9) the carnival features tasty beers, perries, ciders and wines – and the event’s famous cheese sandwiches.
All the proceeds from the popular festival, held at Macclesfield Rugby Club on Priory Lane, will be donated to the charity Crossroads, which is dedicated to helping carers. And MP Sir Nicholas Winterton will keep visitors company.
Richard Wilkinson, chairman of the Round Table, which organises the beer gala, said: "It’s important to realise that the whole ethos of Round Table is to help in the local community, and all the money spent goes to the charity we nominate to support for this year’s event.
"The festival takes a whole year to plan and involves many people giving up their free time."
Starting 15 years ago, the festival has since doubled in size becoming a must in many Maxonian calendars. From 40 beers and ciders in 1994, drinkers will this year enjoy more than 120 beverages from renowned brewers and growers based in the borough and further afield.
"The first year we had bottled beer. We hired a van, drove over to Germany, bought the beer and drove back – all in one day," said Andrew Bunce, one of the plucky organisers of the first few festivals.
And, as well as tucking into the bewildering array of drinks, the lucky ticket holders will each get a commemorative pint glass and programme.
Entry to the event on Friday and Saturday night is by ticket only. Tickets cost £10 per evening. Entry to the Macclesfield and East Cheshire CAMRA Saturday lunchtime session is free.
For more information and for ticket details, visit www.macclesfieldbeerfestival.org.uk
