The 32nd Carlisle Beer and Cider Festival is set to open its doors on Thursday.
The three-day event, organised by the Solway branch of the Campaign for Real Ale volunteers, will be held in the ballroom of the city’s Station Hotel.
There will be over 50 drinks on offer and organisers believe it will be probably the biggest selection of real ales, ciders and key keg beers anywhere in the county.
A CAMRA spokesman said: “Planning started almost immediately after last year’s event, which proved to be very successful.
“This year the members have searched far and wide to bring a very varied selection of drinks for visitors to sample.
“One of the branch members travels far and wide, to collect casks, which have to be stored until two days before the event, when access to the venue is available for the bars to be assembled and stillage prepared for the casks to be lifted onto.
“The beers then had to rest for at least 24 hours, before they have settled, ready to be served.
“The beers this year come from 35 different breweries, 23 of whom supplied bees to last year’s event.
“Members strongly believe in supporting our local independent breweries, some of whom brew new beers specifically to be launched at this event.
“One of the very local breweries, West Walls, has produced a one cask limited edition, which will only be available at the festival.
“Being unique it is expected to be one of the first to run out. The Solway Beer of the Year, Oatmeal Stout, brewed by Carlisle Brewing Co will be available for everybody to sample at least until it runs out.”
The Solway branch will present their City Pub of the Year Award at the event. Voted for by the branch members, it is highly regarded by the local licensees, the branch said.
The event is open from noon to 10pm on all three days.
Admission is £5 for non-members or £3 members, which includes a copy of the programme.
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