Middlewich Beer and Cider Festival to return for 'best year yet'

Middlewich Round Table is gearing up to host its annual charity beer festival.

This year will be the 20th edition of the festival and is set to feature a variety of beverages as well as food and entertainment.

“With it being our 20th festival we're going all out this year to make it the best and biggest yet!” said a spokesperson for Middlewich Round Table.

“As always we will be showcasing a fantastic range of real ales, keg beers, ciders and gins from local producers as well as some award-winning breweries across the country.”

Poster for the festival (Image: Middlewich Round Table)

Middlewich Beer and Cider Festival will take place across Friday, October 27, and Saturday 28, spread over three sessions.

It will be held at the Middlewich Royal British Legion Club and organised and ran by Middlewich Round Table volunteers.

All proceeds will be split between the Poppy Appeal and other local causes, with last year’s festival raising just under £6,000.

Among the drinks on offer will be 2 Metre Rat, a beer brewed by the Rat Brewery and the Beer Emporium in Sandbach.

The beer has been created in memory of manager, Liam Bridle, who died earlier this year aged just 37.

Liam’s family and staff from the Beer Emporium will join the festival for its trade and sponsors evening on what would have been Liam’s birthday.

A new award will also be announced in his honour, the Liam Bridle Award, recognising a chosen brewery for brewing excellence.

A new award will be presented in honour of the late Liam Bridle, manager of the Beer Emporium in Sandbach (Image: Middlewich Round Table)

The festival will also play host to live entertainment, with Baxter kicking things off on Friday night.

The Saturday day sessions will see live acoustic sets from Jessica Chisnall and Les Martin before cover band, The Other Side, close the show in the evening.

Meanwhile, Il Camino will be providing Greek food on Friday, with Saltsu serving up katsu curries, burgers and halloumi bites on Saturday.

Tickets are on sale now via the Middlewich Round Table website and will be cheaper than purchasing on the door.

Anyone wishing to pay in cash can do so, by visiting the Royal British Legion.

There is also the opportunity for local businesses to get involved by sponsoring a barrel of beer.

“Without the support of these amazing companies the event just would not be possible,” added a Round Table spokesperson.