PREPARATIONS are under way for one of Warrington’s biggest beer festivals.

Warrington Rotary Club’s charity fundraising event Oktoberfest, now in its 22nd year, 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 Rotary charities.

There will also be a gin and fizz bar and food available plus live entertainment throughout.

The Thursday session will see a performance by acoustic duo, Kick Back Sundays while on Friday blues rock band The Escape Committee will take to the stage.

The current line-up features Pete Frampton supported by George Glover, from the Climax Blues band, on keyboards, drummer Paul Burgess, from 10cc, and bassist John Gibson.

The Saturday afternoon session starts with the traditional jazz band, Lazy River Band, followed by the Warrington British Sign Language Signing Choir.

No Stamp Required, a pop rock band, will then close the show on Saturday evening with a range of covers from over the years.

Previous Oktoberfest events have helped raise more than £275,000 has been raised for Warrington, national and international charities.

George Wilkinson, president of Warrington Rotary Club, 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.”

For more details about the event visit warrington oktoberfest.org.uk.