Excitement is brewing as the countdown to Macclesfield’s annual Beer Festival begins.
Thousands of ale fans are expected at the charity event, now in its 22nd year, at Macclesfield Rugby Club this weekend.
And this year’s 250 beers will include varieties brewed especially for the event, as well as including gluten free beers for the first time.
Organiser Ben Whiteley, from Macclesfield Round Table, said: “Tickets are selling fast and 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.”
For non beer drinkers there will be 50 types of cider, wines and soft drinks. There will be live music on the Friday from Poynton based Indie/Britpop band Monkey Harris and contemporary and classic rock and pop band Dazed and Confused.
Saturday daytime will see a live performance from acoustic blues and modern act The Truce, including former Macc Lad, Jamie Walker, with Cracked Vinyl and Monkey Harris playing in the evening. Food will include a hog roast, stone fired pizzas and local pies and there will be a tombola, raffle, bar skittles and balloon sculptures.
A free bus service will run between 7 and midnight both evenings and from midday until 4pm on Saturday between Waters Green Tavern in Macclesfield and the rugby club.
Last year’s event raised £21,000 for East Cheshire Hospice, with this year’s proceeds going to Park Lane School, for children with learning and physical difficulties, to build an all-weather play area. Ben said: “There’s always a great atmosphere. The event has really planted itself on Macclesfield’s calendar.”
Tickets are £10 for evening sessions, from 7pm. The Saturday families session from 12 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.uk
