PREPARATIONS are under way for a beer festival in Rishton modelled on the famous Oktoberfest.

More than 30 ales will be served when Rishtoberfest comes to town on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26.

The festival was the brainstorm of local sales worker Andy Harris, who said he hoped to attract hundreds of people into the area.

The 30-year-old, who lives with mum Julie in Cornwall Road, said the festival was the first independent one to be held in the town.

He said: “I have been to several beer festivals and I thought it’s something the town could really appreciate.

“We want to get people back into the area and into the pubs. We are not putting food on either so people will have to go out and try the food.

“I’m also trying to champion local ales.”

Held in the main hall at Norden High School, in Stourton Street, from 11am until around 9pm, visitors will be able to sample the delights of local breweries such as Three Bees in Blackburn, Irwell Works Brewery in Ramsbottom, and Hart Brewery in Preston.

Chorley band George Harris and the Memory Makers, and Great Harwood duo Bad Cardigan will be performing from 6.30pm on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Several local businesses will also host stalls, which will sell a variety of products.

Andy added: “Hopefully this will become an annual event. There’s not much in Rishton but if we can get 100 or 200 people from outside, it should be a good weekend.”

Local councillor Ken Moss gave the festival his support. He said: “I've been a real ale drinker all my life so I am delighted to see that it is finally taking off