MORE than 40 cask ales can be sampled when Burtonwood's first beer festival opens tomorrow.

The two-day event, which will be held at the Burtonwood Community Centre on Green Jones Brow, is set to have a wide range of drinks available to guests including ciders and bottled beers as well.

Talks to host a beer festival in Burtonwood have been ongoing for some time but, this year, the plans have finally come into fruition.

Organiser and centre manager Andy Carr said: "Discussions first took place in 2013 about staging a beer festival at the centre but, due to time restraints, we didn't have the time to organise it.

"But a lot of hard work has gone in to this year's event and in achieving what we have so far.

"To gain more than 40 sponsors with no previous history of an event of this type is a major plus."

Now all Andy needs is the public to flock to the community centre and he hopes many residents will want to raise a glass to the first beer festival in the area.

Doors will open on Friday from 4pm to 11pm and on Saturday from 12pm to 4pm and 6.00pm to 11.30pm

Punters will be entertained by live music and food will also be available.

Entry is £5 and includes a festival glass which guests can take home.

Andy added: "During these difficult financial times this event could be a major boost for the community centre. It will also enable us to help two local charities."

Following the festival, donations will be made to St Rocco’s Hospice and The Steve Prescott Foundation.