Oldham Beer Festival is returning this week with a packed lineup of ale, cider and perry for drinkers to try.

The popular event, run by the Rochdale, Oldham & Bury branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, will kick off at midday on Friday.

People can enjoy sampling the wide selection until 10.30pm on the first day and from midday until 9pm on Saturday.

It will be held in the same place as last year, Queen Elizabeth Hall, with good links to public transport for those wishing to drink.

The Oldham Times: More than 200 people had turned up by 2pm last yearMore than 200 people had turned up by 2pm last year

Admission costs £3 with a £1 refundable glass deposit. CAMRA members go free though still need to pay the glass deposit.

The festival is supporting the Mayor of Oldham’s Charity Appeal fund.

Card and cash will be accepted, and hot food will also be available.

No children or under-18s will be admitted.

More than 3,500 pints of beer, cider and perry were on offer at last year’s festival, which was the first time it had been held in three years due to Covid restrictions.

Beers on offer at this year’s festival include offerings from across the country, including Ipswich, Bury, Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, and Wakefield.

Greenfield’s Donkeystone brewery was due to be attending, but the company ceased trading last week, before the festival had a chance to receive any beer.

The Oldham Times: Donkeystone Brewery will not be in attendance, having ceased trading last weekDonkeystone Brewery will not be in attendance, having ceased trading last week (Image: Google)

Speaking of the brewery’s closure, Peter Alexander, chair of Rochdale, Oldham and Bury CAMRA, said: “We’re disappointed too, but these things happen I’m afraid.

"It’s a great shame, we’re very sorry for the people involved but the show must go on.”

A plethora of cider and perry will also be on offer, with offerings from Dorset, Devon, South Wales, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Somerset, Devon, and Worcestershire.