Festival preview: Pendle Beer Festival in Colne (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Festival preview: Pendle Beer Festival in Colne

3:40pm Friday 5th February 2010

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By Peter Magill »

THE competition for the regions tastiest tipple is back with the sixth annual Pendle Beer Festival.

Organisers will be getting their sheepdogs out to round up the best pints in the country in this year’s farmyard-themed event.

Thousands of real ale drinkers will once more descend on the borough in search of the winning drink, in aid of Pendleside Hospice.

Organisers of the popular festival said some 2,300 enthusiasts visited the event last year.

And despite the global recession, leisure bosses are once again bracing themselves for a large turn-out next month.

This year’s event, called “Down The Farm”, is taking place at The Muni, in Colne, from Thursday, February 4 until Saturday, February 6.

As part of the festival over 65 real ales and ciders will be available to sample. Beers with names like Riggwelter, Pig’s Ear, Flat Cap and Cheeky Pheasant will mingle with local greats Pendle Witch, Wainwright’s and Golden Pippin.

Brewers Black Sheep, Roosters and Goose Eye will showcase their beers alongside local successful brewery giants Thwaites, Moorhouses and Copper Dragon.

The festival is organised by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), who are raising money for Pendleside Hospice and hope to exceed last year’s total of £3,880.

A CAMRA spokesman said: “This year’s ‘Down on the Farm’ theme should appeal to country folk, with beers from Black Sheep, Roosters and Goose Eye to name but a few.”

Country rockers The Cowboy Outfit, inspired by the likes of Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, star this evening.

And Saturday’s gathering will see the White Rose Morris Men and Nelson Brass Band perform, with covers stars Vicky & The Big Combo headlining at 7pm.

The event is run entirely by volunteers and the organisers provide cheap meals, soft drinks and transport home for those taking part.

* PENDLE BEER FESTIVAL “DOWN THE FARM” — Colne Muni, February 4–6. Admissions: Thursday 4, 5pm–11pm £2; Friday 5, noon–11pm £2 before 6pm and £4 after; Saturday 6, noon–11pm £2.