MIDDLEWICH’S waterways and pubs will come to life this weekend as the town plays host to two festivals.

Around 750 people are expected to descend on the Royal British Legion in Lewin Street on October 23 and 24.

More than 40 ales and ciders will be available to sample at the seventh Middlewich Beer Festival.

Meanwhile, town centre events manager Dave Thompson has been busy behind the scenes preparing for Middlewich’s first boat rally.

Countless narrowboats are expected to descend on the canals throughout the weekend and musicians are set to take to the stage in seven of the town’s pubs.

Dave said: “I’m always nervous about new events but I’m really looking forward to it. Some boats are already here and we expect more in the run-up.

“People have always asked us to host a rally. I’ve only had six weeks to organise this but word on the towpath spreads very quickly.”

Middlewich Beer Festival opening times and prices:

Friday, October 23, 7pm - 11pm. £5.

Saturday, October 24, 12pm - 4pm. £2.

Saturday, October 24, 7pm - 11pm. £5.

Schedule for the Boat Rally events:

Friday, October 23

The Kinderton Hotel - New Band High Society make their Middlewich debut at the rally at 8pm.

The Big Lock – ‘Sing-a-long’ with favourites The Boaters at 8pm.

The Boars Head - Welcome session with regulars Steamhead at 8.30pm.

The Cheshire Cheese - the ever-popular Calcio Jack at 8.30pm.

Chocolat and Kandi Bar - crowd-pleasing Louisa James at 9pm.

Kinderton House Hotel - High Society Rhythm and Blues band at 8pm.

The White Horse Pub - Karaoke Party Night at 8pm.

Saturday, October 24

Middlewich Royal British Legion - An afternoon of music featuring The Salty Dog Blues Band, Acoustak and new-boys Intermittent Fault at 12.30pm.

The Big Lock - 'The Hive', organised by local pub owner Damon Horrill, will be showcasing local talent from 2pm to 5pm, including a set by excellent singer songwriter Chloe Chadwick.

Steamhead & Friends will be taking over for the evening from 8.30pm.

The Boars Head - 'Poems and Pints', Rally Special with the Salt Town Poets including a line-up of poet divas Charlotte Bailey, Jo Bell and Karen Wheatley from 2pm to 5pm.

The Live and Local Big Session at 8pm.

The Cheshire Cheese - Boat Rally Music Session. Players and singers welcome at 1pm.

Chocolat & Kandi Bar - Live band and BBQ on the terrace at 1pm. 70`s Disco with 'Love Train' DJ Brutus Gold at 9pm.

Kinderton House Hotel - Boat Rally Music Session. Players and singers welcome at 2pm.

Acoustak playing country and folk music at 8pm.

The White Bear - Boat Rally Music Session. Players and singers welcome at 1pm.

The White Horse Pub - Boat RallyMusic Session. Players and singers welcome at 1pm.

The Johnny Cash and Elvis Show at 9pm.

Sunday, October 25

From 10.30am Town Centre Bull Ring; Guided Walk along the “Wych & Water Trail” with Kerry Fletcher.

The Big Lock - Boaters 'sing-a-long', all welcome at 1pm.

Farewell session with the Boat Band, who celebrate the 20th Anniversary this year, finishing the weekend in style at 8pm.

The Boars Head - The Boars Head Quiz at 8.30pm.

The Cheshire Cheese - Boat Rally Music Session. Players and singers welcome at 1pm.

Chocolat & Kandi Bar - Sunday Roast and Live Jazz on the terrace at 1pm.

Singer and songwriter Chloe Chadwick at 7pm.

Kinderton House Hotel - From 2pm Poetry Session hosted by the Salt Town Poets All Welcome The White Bear - From 2pm Music Session with the Middlewich Paddies.

The White Horse Pub - A 'must see' session with Sunday Blues - Middlewich's very own blues harp maestro’s with Fred and Craig Moores plus special guest Dia Thomas at 2pm. Live Band to be confirmed at 8pm.