THE Bolton Beer Festival - reputed to be the fourth largest in the country - starts next week.

The five-day event is launched on Wednesday at the Howcroft Inn on Pool Street near Bolton town centre.

And among the vast array of more than 200 ordered beers from 69 breweries will be the latest offering from Bolton's independent Bank Top Brewery.

John Feeney, of Bank Top, will unveil Cliffhanger - a ruby red 4.5 per cent ABV brew - at the festival. It has been named in honour of Cliff Burgess, a tireless supporter and worker at the Howcroft's three recent Bolton Beer festivals.

Fifty bottled beers will be stacked up behind the bar if the beers on tap do not suit everyone's taste, as well as traditional ciders

Admission on Wednesday and Thursday is £2.50 which increases to £3.50 on Friday and Saturday. As well as the beers different entertainment is also on offer each night in the shape of 60s music, jazz, Jerome McMurray and Irish duo Half A Galaxy. Food is also promised on the menu.

Proceeds from the festival will go to Bolton Lads and Girls Club funds. Last year it raised £6,000 and festival organiser Clive Nightingale - on behalf of the Dads and Kids fund-raising committee of the club - aims to beat that total this time.

Staff are still needed to help out on the bar during the festival. Volunteers should contact Clive on Bolton 526814.

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