A POPULAR beer festival returns this month and is giving people a unique way to support the event.

Now in its 23rd year, Oktoberfest is organised by the Rotary Club Warrington.

The Warrington BID is supporting the three-day festival which runs from October 24 to 26 and is encouraging people and businesses to get involved by taking advantage of a fun sponsorship package on offer.

For £100 businesses and groups can sponsor their own beer, as part of the deal they will receive free festival entry for 10 people, free beer for two people at the festival’s pre-event sponsors session, a listing in the Oktoberfest programme and promotion on the Oktoberfest website and social media channels.

Taking place at the Parr Hall, it will feature more than 70 different types of beer, craft lagers, a selection of ciders and for those who don’t like beer there’s also a gin and fizz bar.

On the Thursday evening between 7pm and 9pm, the Challenge Cup as won by the Warrington Wolves this season will be in the Parr Hall, where festival goers can come and have their photo taken with it.

Oktoberfest chair, Cliff Houghton said: “We would like to thank the Warrington BID for their financial and practical support this year, the more sponsors we get on board, the more charities that will benefit.”

Harriet Roberts, manager of the Warrington BID, said: “Oktoberfest is a fantastic event that is well-loved in Warrington, bringing thousands of people into the town centre to have a good time. The recent introduction of the gin and Prosecco bar has helped to widen the festival’s appeal, making it an ideal place for businesses to take their staff or clients for a great night out. The sponsorship package is a brilliant promotional tool for businesses but there’s also the priceless feel good factor that your team will get by raising money for good causes!”