RAISE your pint glasses again as Colne Muni hosts the ninth CAMRA Pendle Beer Festival later this month.

This year their theme for one of the county’s most popular ale and cider festivals is The Great Outdoors.

So if you fancy a pint of Magic Badger from Barnoldswick, a half of Nettlethrasher or a sip of Wainwright’s golden ale, then the hugely popular three-day festival will quench your thirst for real ale from January 31 until February 2.

The festival sees the start of a new season of shows and events at the Muni offering something for audiences of all ages.

Inspired by his fascination with the vagaries of the English language, Dave Spikey’s hilarious new show examines many of life’s awkward situations where words really don’t come easy.

Chorley comic Spikey never fails to raise the roof at the Muni — so don’t miss out on your ticket full of laughter and his Words Don’t Come Easy Tour on March 22.

A week later, Terry Christian continues the Northern theme with his madcap romp through the troubled inner-city Manchester childhood of one of Britain’s most notorious and outspoken TV presenters.

Christian’s one-man show, Naked Confessions of a Recovering Catholic, lifts the lid on his Catholic upbringing, Madchester, The Word and Celebrity Big Brother.

Also in March, mystic and spiritualist medium Derek Acorah, the former star of TV show Most Haunted, brings his Eternal Spirits Tour to Colne.

The Muni’s impressive classical season begins in February with a visit by Manchester Camerata.

Camerata’s mesmerizing leader, Giovanni Guzzo takes centre stage as soloist and director in this unmissable concert featuring one of the most famous and well-loved of classical works.

There is also an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed discussion with the musicians in the theatre before the concert on Sunday, February 10.

Back by popular demand, the spell-binding Moscow Ballet is now a firm fixture in the Muni’s calendar, telling the thrilling story of Coppelia and brought to life by this exquisitely costumed, world-renowned ballet company.

If you enjoy top class cabaret, then come and join the kings of swing Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior in the Rat Pack Live on April 28.

The show, featuring stars from the West End box office hit Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas, captures the wonderful music, comic and personality of the original American legends.

For music lovers the undoubted highlight is Graham Gouldman and Friends on Saturday, April 27, which sees an acoustic set of 10cc classics being presented in intimate surroundings.

Then the kings of soul, The Real Thing return to the Muni with all the old favourites and plenty more to boogie down to on May 18.

For details of all the events visit www.themuni.co.uk or contact 01282 661234.