Thwaites raises a glass to support local Youth Zone

Real ale fans will be delighted to hear that the popular Blackburn Beer Festival will be returning to the town this May following a hugely successful 2014 event.

Last year over 1,900 people joined the festival, which took place at Blackburn Rugby Club raising over £20,000 for the Blackburn Youth Zone.

And this year’s event is set to be even bigger. Sponsored by award-winning  brewer Daniel Thwaites, accountancy firm PM+M and Farleys Solicitors, the festival is set to showcase over 60 real ales from across the Northwest and beyond, plus an eclectic selection of ciders and lagers.

Peter Little from Blackburn Youth Zone said: “We are proud to be the beneficiaries of the beer festival once again. It’s a great weekend that brings together so many businesses and people from across our community which makes a substantial contribution to our charity. The money raised during the festival will be spent improving the prospects and opportunities for young people in this area. Thanks to Thwaites and the other sponsors for making the event possible.”

Blackburn-based Thwaites will be offering festival goers the opportunity to sample a variety of ales, from classics including Wainwright and Lancaster Bomber to tipples from the brewer’s award winning craft Signature range.

Lee Williams, head of marketing at Thwaites, said: “This is a perfect festival for Thwaites and all the local brewers of East Lancashire and the Ribble Valley to really show off the diversity of beers available in the region. Last year’s event was a huge success thanks to a number of local businesses who all came together to make it happen and helped raise a fantastic amount of money for a worthy local cause. We’re certain this year’s event will be a huge success.”

The Blackburn Beer Festival will take place at Blackburn Rugby Club from Friday 1st – Sunday 3^rd May. Tickets cost £5 each and will be on sale from the end of March.

All of the proceeds will go to the Blackburn Youth Zone which supports young people in the town, offering them a safe and exciting environment to spend their spare time. Local businesses can also get involved by sponsoring a barrel of beer. To register you interest in sponsorship opportunities or tickets visit www.blackburnbeerfestival.com