BRITAIN'S best beers, good music and wholesome food should prove a potent mix to tempt and satisfy the hordes due to converge on Atherton for the Bent and Bongs Beer Bash.

Drinkers will raise their glasses at the three-day festival at the Formby Hall aimed at raising thousands of pounds for deserving charities.

Proceeds from the event will go to Francis House Children's Hospice and Atherton Scouts and Guides.

Last year the sell-out festival scooped a record £20,000 for charities and local good causes and 2004 is set for similar success as the Champion beers of Britain, past and present are served up.

There will be a choice of more than 80 top class ales and 12 draught lagers, including the Champion Beer of Britain for 2003 -- the celebrated 3.8 per cent strength Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted. At 3.8 per cent strength you can savour it without the pleasure of walking home backwards, but if potency is your preference Orkney Skullsplitter (8.5 per cent), Robinsons Old Tom (8 per cent) and Lees Moonraker (7.5 per cent) will oblige.

Bottled beers, ciders and perries and man-size helpings of sausages and pies will also be on offer.

Each session will feature live music with female duo Halo entertaining at the opening session, Jerome McMurray entertaining at Friday's event which will open at the earlier time of 5pm to avoid queues.to avoid last year's queues and folk duo Peg Leg and It's Cold Outside performing at Saturday's afternoon and evening finale.

The first session is from 6pm-11pm on Thursday, January 29. Entry costs £4 including programme and commemorative glass. Admission on Friday, January 30 (5-11pm) is £5 and on Saturday afternoon (January 31, 12-4) costs £3 and £3.50 at the final 7pm-11pm session.

Event organisers Atherton and Tyldesley Round Table and CAMRA expect another busy festival and advise drinkers to arrive early to avoid disappointment.