KNUTSFORD Beer Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

The event has raised more than £50,000 for charity since it was launched a decade ago.

This year’s festival takes place from Thursday, April 25 to Saturday, April 27.

The venue has still to be confirmed.

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Chairman Andrew Malloy said: “It’s hard to believe that it’s 10 years since we started.

“It all came about when I was having a few beers with some friends and we said how cool it would be to have a beer festival in Knutsford.

“The old town hall building was empty so it seemed like the perfect opportunity. I just thought, ‘Let’s do it!’.

“People flocked in when they saw the signs going up.

“Everyone enjoyed it so much, we knew we had to keep it going.”

The festival is run by volunteers.

Andrew added: “The best part is seeing people turn up to drink beer and have fun.

“The fact that we can raise so much money for charity is absolutely brilliant.

“A big thanks to all the team who make it happen, it’s probably a lot more work than people realise.

"The event attracts more than 1,000 visitors, with many sessions selling out in advance.

 

This year, the bar will offer more than 45 beers, the biggest choice so far.

Morgan Edwards will be running a wine bar once again, serving wine, fizz and gin.

Two Knutsford charities, Hope Central foodbank and Stable Minds CIC, have been chosen as this year's recipients.

Ian Robertson, trustee at Hope Central foodbank said: “Many families in Knutsford live in, or close to, poverty.

“We are busier than ever before.

"We are now much more than simply a foodbank, offering support with debt, money management, life skills, addiction, a job club and a weekly social centre every Monday.

“The more requests we get, the more we rely on funding and donations to be able to deliver these services to those who need them.

“Thank you so much for choosing to support us.

“Any funds that are raised will help many people in the town.”

Amelia Peel, founder of Stable Minds CIC said: “We are deeply moved and grateful that Stable Minds has been chosen.

“This generous support comes at a crucial time, as our work – providing 1:1 counselling sessions and reaching nearly 1,000 individuals this past year – has never been more vital.

“The kindness and commitment shown by the festival organisers and attendees will directly bolster our efforts to aid those in our community facing mental health challenges.

“Every penny we receive will help us expand our services and enhance our impact.

“We are profoundly thankful to be part of such a meaningful community event.”

Tickets start from £10 per session, which includes admission, a souvenir glass and one free drink.

To buy tickets or sponsor the event visit knutsfordbeerfestival.org.uk

Sessions run each evening with an extra session on Saturday afternoon.

A mix of Live and DJ music is planned for the evenings and the Saturday afternoon will see the return of the tasting masterclasses, all included in the ticket price.

Local businesses interested in supporting the event can take a sponsorship package from £80 upwards.

The team of volunteers running the festival includes Andrew Malloy, Kevin Jardine, Zoe Fogg, Sandra Curties, Colin Kemshead, Rachel Bishop, Laura Anderson, Paul Langley, David Morgan, Mike Braun, Lisa Benskin and Claire Sawyer.