THIS week I feel it is most appropriate to preview one of the locality’s premier events.

The Pendle Beer Festival is undoubtedly one of the finest beery celebrations in the north of England. Now in its eleventh year, the festival, superbly run by the volunteers of East Lancashire CAMRA, is most certainly one of the highlights of the area’s social calendar.

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The three-day beery bash, at Colne Muni, runs from Thursday, February 5 to Saturday, February 7.

It’s a superb venue, ideally located on a mainline bus route – and just a short stroll from the town’s railway station.

The event has changed so much since 2005. Then, it was mainly populated by mature, bearded males, carrying rucksacks and wearing Karrimor waterproof jackets. Oh, and the fedora hat was always very much in evidence.

Now, you will witness a wide age range in attendance with many younger people now being a part of the real ale scene.

You will find groups of youthful males and females, unseen a few years ago, now enjoying their taste buds being titillated by the many, tasty tipples that are available at these friendly, social gatherings.

And that tees me up perfectly to recommend a few tasty slurps at this year’s event. More than 100 ales will be racked up around the perimeter of the spacious festival hall. Plus many ciders and bottled world beers.

I have highlighted a range of beers that will hopefully suit all palates. A mixture of ales that are both local and a little further afield – and vary in strength and taste.

Hopthurst, Twisted Vine (4.1 per cent)

A golden bitter, with citrusy aromas and flavours. Grapefruit flavour in charge here.

A well-hopped ale for you bitter beer aficionados.

Martland Mill, Lancashire Loom (4.2 per cent)

One I haven’t tried before. It has all the hallmarks of a crisp, refreshing IPA, after the tasting notes revealed flavours of grapefruit, lychees and lemon. This one will be for the hopsters – a hop bomb in all probability.

Three B’s, Knocker Up (4.8 per cent) A superb stout. Good roasted grain character. Bitter dark chocolate and dark fruit flavours, give this robust ale a fine balance. A pleasant and lingering bitter coffee finish.

Snaggletooth, Rolling Maul (4.1 per cent)

This golden ale was first to sell out, at last years festival – and I wasn’t surprised. Peachy, flowery aroma. Loaded with peach and floral flavours. It has a most pleasant and refreshing mouthfeel. Fresh, citrusy and light bitter finish - a brewing masterpiece.

Brewsmith IPA (6.0 per cent)

Arguably, the one I am most looking forward to. Not tried this one, from the fledgling and award-winning, Ramsbottom brewer. If it’s in the same league as their champion bitter (also available), it will be awesome. Described as having big hop aromas, rich mouth feel and a long, dry finish – can’t wait to give you my verdict!

So, there you have a recommended quality quintet to quaff. I will certainly be sampling them, at this temporary Mecca of beer in Colne. Doors open at 4.30pm on Thursday, February 5 – and the beer geek with the flat cap can’t wait.