Peter Gildert, far left, and the beer festival team

Preston Beer Festival has opened its doors for a 23rd time in the city.

St Walburge’s church hall plays host to the annual alefest with 56 real ales and 12 ciders on offer.

Peter Gildert, chairman of the festival, said he hoped for around 300 visitors a night during the four-day festival.

He said: “The money from the festival, which is all run by volunteers, every penny goes towards the cause of restoring and upkeep of St Walburge’s.

“We’ve a vast range of the palest to the darkest. They are from all corners of the UK, from the Orkneys to Cornwall.

Two Preston-based breweries in Longton and in Walmer Bridge both have barrels at the festival.

Golden Wheat Beer from Beer Brothers in Preston, and their IPA. Galaxy from Bishop’s Crook in Penwortham and their Winding Staircase

When is it on?
Thursday 3 March from 7pm to 11pm
Friday 4 March from 7pm to 11pm
Saturday 5 March from 12noon to 11pm
Sunday 6 March from 1pm to 3pm

How much does it cost?
£3 on Thursday, £4 on Friday, £3 on Saturday and free on Sunday with festival glass or donation

Chris Cooke who is one of the newer members of the organising committee

A quick tipple
I tried a half of the Winding Staircase from Bishop’s Crook. It’s a good drop, it says it has a grapefruit taste but I didn’t really get that. Wasn’t too overpowering and at 3.8% it is a good session ale but with enough strength to not be too wishy washy. Well worth a try.

Have you been down to the beer festival? What did you think? Have you been before? Let us know in the comments below