ONE of the oldest pubs in Warrington, the Pickering Arms, will host a music festival at the end of the month.

Nestled in Thelwall, the Pickering Arms dates back to the 10th century, according to the pub's website: "[The pub] is a revered listed building that holds a key part of history to Thelwall village.

"It can be seen on its wooden beam exterior, inscribed along the beam is the record of Thelwall being fortified and named by King Edward the Elder in the year 923."

On August 26 and 27, the Pickering Arms is set to host 'Pickfest,' a free music festival.

Warrington Guardian: There will be a number of acts performing across the weekendThere will be a number of acts performing across the weekend (Image: Supplied)

The festival has been run before, once, and it was a one-day event; now, however, it is back as a full-weekend festival.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, the organisers - Clare Gunes and Nicholas Quirk - explained why they chose to run the event: "It started with an informal chat about music in general and other festivals that were on in the UK and the growth of festivals in the UK."

Clare added: "With my background of grassroots venues and really loving the promotion of up-and-coming talent it was a no-brainer. 

"We have talent, we have a great venue: let's do it."

In terms of the planning and preparation for the festival, the pair said: "At least six months - consisting of daily chats to bands, listening to their music updates, the sound system and stage management, band logistics and scheduling - as well as finding other creative performers and booking catering companies."

Already the organisers have had positive feedback about the event: "What is not to like about a free music festival on your doorstep? 

"We've got fantastic up-and-coming acts as well as magicians, food and bars; it's a great bank holiday event that is admission free."

Warrington Guardian: Hype is building ahead of the event, which the organisers say will be able to hold around 300 people or moreHype is building ahead of the event, which the organisers say will be able to hold around 300 people or more (Image: The Pickering Arms)

The festival will be free to enter, with Clare saying: "I think free events are the backbone of local communities. Having no fee allows the festival to be fully inclusive.

"Helen from the Pickering Arms believes all community pubs should be giving something back to their clients to show how they are valued and appreciated.

"In today's economic market when times are hard for everyone, it's great to be able to offer a free event."

Pickfest 2023 will run from the Pickering Arms on Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27 - the event starts at 2pm on each day.