Excitement is brewing as the countdown to Macclesfield’s annual Beer Festival begins, with more than a thousand tickets already snapped up by ale fans.

Organisers say Macclesfield Beer Festival is in contention to be the best in the country, with thousands flocking to the event each year.

Ben Whiteley, organiser from Macclesfield Round Table, said: “I would say it’s the best beer festival in the country. It gets bigger and bigger each year and we’re very experienced at it now, we’ve set up a good base and people like it.

“The beer selection is shaping up to be even better than last year, we also have a brewery making beers especially for the festival which is great for beer aficionados as you won’t get them anywhere else.

“If you are into your beer then you won’t get a better selection.”

He added: “You can see on Facebook that everyone’s talking about it. It’s not just Macclesfield people. We have a really good selection of beers and people are coming from quite a long way away.

“Tickets-wise we are ahead of where we were last year.

“We’ve got 1,500 tickets for Friday evening and 1,500 for Saturday evening, and we’ve sold about 1,000 - we fully intend to sell out."

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“It’s a great event, It’s a great party atmosphere and everyone enjoys themselves.

“There’s good food, good beer and good music - what more could you want?”

The event, now in its 22nd year, will be held at Macclesfield Rugby Club on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7.

There will be a selection of 250 beers and live music throughout.

For non beer drinkers there will be 50 types of cider, wines and soft drinks, with a family friendly event during the day on Saturday.

Tickets are £10 for evening sessions, from 7pm. The Saturday families session from midday to 3.30pm is free.

For tickets see macclesfieldbeerfestival.org or collect them from The Admiral Rodney pub, Prestbury, AstraZeneca’s ClubAZ, The Park Tavern, The Poacher’s Inn, The Waters Green Tavern, The Wharf, Brewtique, The Red Willow, The Treacle Tap, The Snow Goose, Sutton Hall, or Park Lane School reception. Volunteers aged 18 and over should visit macclesfieldbeerfestival.org.

Businesses or individuals wanting to support the event should email michael@prjonesjewellers.co.