Oldham Beer and Cider Festival is set to return for its 33rd year with a packed two days of the best of UK creations.

The event is organised by the Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch of the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA).

Nearly 50 cask-conditioned beers will be on offer at the festival, alongside real cider and perry.

It will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1.

The event will be run in support of the Mayor of Oldham's charity appeal fund.

It marks the festival’s second year after a three-year break caused by the Covid pandemic.

ALSO READ: 2022: Oldham Beer Festival returns after 3 years at Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Each year, organisers choose a region of the UK to source and showcase some of their real ales.

This year, drinkers will be sampling alcohol from East Anglia and surrounds.

However, there will also be beers from all breweries in the branch area, including Deeply Vale, Donkeystone, Pictish and Serious.

Northern cider will also be on offer, as well as the best of the traditional producing regions.

A special selection of bottles from European brewers will also be on offer.    

Experienced festival goers will know the wisdom of enjoying some food with a drink and the event will feature catering from the Quirky Catering Company. 

Organiser Andy Cooper said: “We're delighted to once again be running the festival and supporting the Mayor of Oldham's charities.

“Drinkers can enjoy plenty of cooled beers and ciders including a selection rarely seen in this area, but all at local prices.

“Our volunteers work hard to put on a festival renown for its friendly atmosphere – and plenty of seats!

"We know times are challenging, so we've frozen or reduced admission prices.

“There are no home games for Latics or Roughyeds on our dates, so sports fans are particularly welcome. There’s plenty of time for local businesses and individuals to support the festival by sponsoring casks of beer.

“Just contact the Mayor's Appeal Fund via 0161 770 4012 or myself on gbg@rob.camra.org.uk and we'll do the rest. It’s a great event to be associated with!”

Oldham mayor, Cllr Elaine Garry, said: "In the past couple of years, I've been a part of the mayor's charity appeal committee.

“So l know first-hand how committed those volunteers as well as the local CAMRA branch volunteers are to making this event a success.

“Events like the festival take months of planning to be successful and you don't get to the 33rd annual event without it having real appeal for Oldhamers.

“It's one of the mayoral dates myself and my consorts Graham and Peter are looking forward to. I'm hoping local people have a great time as well as raising valued funds for those charities."