AN array of live bands from across Cumbria have been confirmed for one of Cumbria’s most beloved beer and music festivals.

Set in one of the Lake District’s most iconic towns, the upcoming ‘Grasmere Guzzler’ Beer & Music Festival will take place between Friday August 31 – Sunday September 2.

The free family-run event has become a Cumbrian institution since it started 12 years ago, with just eight sampling ales and a few friends in the beer garden with a single guitar.

In contrast, this year’s event will include more than 100 craft beers, alongside a barbecue and stone-fire pizza oven.

More than 4000 people are expected to turn up, continuing the trend that has seen the festival build its reputation year on year.

It will literally be all hands to the pump, as Tweedies draft in extra staff to serve an estimated 8,000 pints over the three days in a specially-erected marquee.

Visitors from all corners of the UK will enjoy live music from 25 artists, across the three days.

These include home-grown acts such as indie favourites Paper Cranes, folk duo Scrogan’s Run and reggae and ska band Bad Transmission.

Cumbrian collective Valparaiso and 7-piece Ponyland will also represent local acts at the festival, alongside familiar names like Thieving Magpies and Uncle Crabuncle.

Musicians from Liverpool, the Midlands and the North East are also heading to Grasmere to join the line-up.

Alex Goodall, the bar manager at Tweedies Bar & Lodge, said: “The growth of the Grasmere Guzzler has been phenomenal.

“It has really added a different dimension to our business, drawing in more younger people and families who enjoy the laid-back vibe and informal atmosphere.

“Craft beers have become increasingly popular in recent years and we’ve now expanded to include lagers, sour beers and imperial stouts as well.

“We’re also genuinely proud to showcase the thriving local music scene and I think it’s that mix of new musical talent and cutting-edge beers which makes the Grasmere Guzzler a really unique event.”

Commenting on the festival’s Facebook page, Alastair Wren gave the event a glowing recommendation. He said: “[I have] been going for the last few years, travelling from Bedford.

“There’s a great range of beers and ciders, lovely family atmosphere, good music, cracking BBQ food all set in a superb location. I cant think what more is needed.”

The Grasmere Guzzler takes place at Tweedies Bar in Grasmere, which is connected to Dale Lodge hotel.