PREPARATIONS are under way for the town's annual charity beer festival.

Warrington Rotary Club's charity fundraising Oktoberfest 22, starts next Thursday, October 11 and runs until Saturday, October 13 at the Parr Hall.

More than 70 cask ales plus ciders and bottled beers will be on sale to raise funds for a number of charities.

There will also be a gin and fizz bar by popular request. Food is also available.

This year there are a number of new ales to try for the first time with a varied cider range plus more than 20 speciality gins and tonics.

On Thursday acoustic duo, Kick Back Sundays will perform and Friday, The Escape Committee, which is four blues musicians.

The current line-up features Pete Frampton, supported by George Glover on keyboards from the Climax Blues band, drummer Paul Burgess and bassist John Gibson.

The Saturday afternoon session starts with the traditional jazz band, Lazy River Band, followed by the Warrington Society for Deaf People Signing Choir.

To date more than £275,000 has been raised for charities from previous Oktoberfests.

Warrington Rotary president, George Wilkinson said: “This year should be another bumper year for our charities with interest being shown by people from all over the north west and further afield.”

Details of the event are available at warringtonoktoberfest.org.uk.