Festival-goers are getting set to toast the return of Macclesfield’s annual Beer Festival.

Thousands of ale lovers are expected to turn out to the two day bash, which is organised by Macclesfield Round Table and celebrates brews from around the UK.

Now in its 21st year, all this year’s proceeds will be donated to East Cheshire Hospice, which was the festival’s first ever benefactor when it originally started in 1995.

The hospice plans to use the money to develop a bespoke bereavement centre for young people in the community who have lost a parent or loved one to cancer.

It was a record year for the festival’s 20th anniversary in 2014, and organisers say that the upcoming edition could be the biggest yet.

Ben Whiteley, from Macclesfield Round Table, which runs the annual event, said: “During two decades of the Macclesfield Beer Festival we’ve raised more than £200,000 for local charities.

“This year we’re planning to make the event even more memorable and hope to raise enough money to help East Cheshire Hospice develop an incredibly special facility to support young people in the local community and help them deal with the grief of losing a loved one to cancer.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the people of Macclesfield join our celebrations and in doing so help us to raise money for this facility.”

More than 200 barrels of beer from all over the country will arrive as a huge marquee is erected at Macclesfield Rugby Club on Priory Lane on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9.

And over the course of the weekend alongside the beer wine and ciders will be available too, and live music will be performed by indie covers group Monkey Harris and Bollington’s Big Jam, who will each play both nights of the festival.

Mickey Jones, who is also helping organise the event, said: “We would love to make at least £21,000 on our 21 year, so we’re now looking for businesses and individuals to sponsor us.”

To do so email Mikey at michael@prjonesjewellers.co.uk.

Tickets are available online and at a variety of outlets in Macclesfield.

Go to the festival’s website at www.macclesfieldbeerfestival.org for more information.

Macclesfield Beer Festival is again supported by main sponsors SAS Daniels and Bennett Brooks Chartered Accountants.