I am sure many of you who know me, will agree that I regularly ascend to my soapbox. It is not always to herald positive news. However, in this case, it is to proclaim news, that is of a favourable and beneficial nature.

So, ladies and gentleman, it gives me great pleasure, on this occasion, to be in a most favourable and beneficial mode. As I announce one of the highlights, in the localities social calendar.

Yes, it's the Burnley Beer Festival in seven days. A three-day beery celebration, commencing on September 10, at Burnley Mechanics.

Now in its fourth year, the festival will once again be organised by East Lancs CAMRA's merry band of volunteers. It's a festival that will boast over 80 fine ales, in addition to ciders, perries and bottled beers from around the world.

A well-organised beer festival always gives the discerning ale quaffer an opportunity to try a whole range of beers. And this year the main theme will be providing a beer, from every town/city which has a football team in the Championship.

I wonder if anyone will manage to slurp all twenty-two, over this three day joyous event - I suspect so.

Which tees me up nicely to recommend a few beers at this ideally situated, town centre venue. A super six, in my opinion. A slurpacious sextet to tingle the taste buds.

First up is Sadlers, Hop Bomb. Okay, I am a hophead. However, this is brewed with the American Amarillo and Citra hops. Thus giving this 5% IPA, a wealth of fruity refreshment - a citrusy delight.

Another one to head for is from Bowland Brewery. Their robust and flavoursome Black Dragon Porter is a cracker. It's rich, caramel sweet and with a pleasant dry finish.

Third off the recommended reel is Peerless Peninsula IPA. You don't see many of these Birkenhead brews. They brew excellent ale. It's a 5.7%, bitter hopped, fruity sensation. It will blow your socks off!

The second triumvirate not to be missed, includes Moorhouse's 'Bohemia', a Bohemian Czech style lager; Hopstar's speciality, award-winning beer, Smokey Joe's Black Beer. And last, but certainly not least, a super premium bitter, from Three B's. Pinch Noggin is quite simply a perfect blend of malt and hops - a firkin belter!

Oh, and couple to watch out for, from two, small, fledgling microbreweries. Firstly, Fighting Cocks, Benito. A best bitter, that had flown out, at the Masons Arms, Crawshawbooth - and I missed it! And secondly, one from Edenfield. Not sampled their ales yet. Golden Mist will be one to try.

So, just to say, doors open at noon, on September 10. Just a quid entry - and free to CAMRA members on Thursday. Friday and Saturday it's £3 entry, and a pound coin of the realm, for CAMRA members. Entertainment, Friday (7.15) The Flat Caps. Padiham's answer to the Lancashire Hotpots. Followed by the Blackjacks. Saturday evening has Furious Styles and Tale of Two Counties.

Look forward to seeing you at this three day, beery bash. I'm the clean shaven one, with the flat cap and The North Face man bag.