TO many, the Cheshire Cheese is their local pub - providing a warm welcome, and whetting the whistle since it was established in 1754.

In recent years, the pub has undergone a few changes; for example, renovations have been planned for the interior, and the old roof has since been repaired.

Last summer, the pub's management decided to use the watering hole as a venue to host live music.

Warrington Guardian: The popular local can be found off Knutsford Road, in LatchfordThe popular local can be found off Knutsford Road, in Latchford (Image: Newsquest)

Now, the popular boozer is taking things to the next level and will host its first music festival next weekend: Cheesefields.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, the manager of the popular local, Gemma, said: "Next month is a year since we started putting music on - we started last August.

"Since then it's just grown.

"And we've booked a lot of local bands, and we tried to give unsigned bands that platform."

Landlord of the pub, Alex Wright, said: "We're quite unique because we've got a function room, so we can support bands with that - we had one come from the Isle of Man, for example."

One of the changes being made in time for the festival is the construction of an outdoor stage at the back of the pub, which was partially funded by sponsors such as MKM.

Alex said: "The sponsors have gifted lots of money, they've been brilliant.

"And local businesses wanted to support it, too."

Speaking about the demand for tickets, Gemma said: "We sold out in six days.

"We've now got about 100 people on a waiting list wanting wristbands for the day."

When asked whether they had any worries, the management duo said: "The big concern is that we've never done this before."

Warrington Guardian: An outdoor stage has been built especially for the festivalAn outdoor stage has been built especially for the festival (Image: The Cheshire Cheese)

That concern did not seem to put off festival-goers, however, with all 300 tickets selling out within a week.

"We sold 85 on the first day," Gemma said.

The full list of acts for Cheesefields is as follows:

  • Vicky Williams
  • Lunar Youth
  • Maya McConnell
  • Paul Nixon
  • What the Hell's a Gigawatt?
  • Ben and the Believers
  • Louis Collier
  • Adam Hughes
  • Muddy Elephant
  • Crayven
  • The Ambersons

Cheesefields will run from 2pm on Saturday, July 29, at the Cheshire Cheese, off Knutsford Road.