2,000 pints of ales and ciders from around the UK are expected to be pulled at Newcastle Cricket Club’s annual Real Ale and Cider Festival, beginning today.

The five-day event, hosted by the double CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) award-winning cricket club, will see some of the country’s best alcoholic tipples available for tasting. Also offered for the first time this year are refreshments by Northumberland Sausage Company during the first three days of the festival – though vegetarian options will be available.

This year’s event is particularly poignant for the club as it is the first festival since the sad passing of dedicated club supporter Kirby Mains earlier this year. Banner stands will this year be located around the festival in remberence of Mains, who was an avid CAMRA supporter.

Bar Committee Chairman Peter Woodley said: “This is the first festival since we lost him, but I’m sure he will be remembered for a lifetime to come because of his great support to the club and the area.”

The Newcastle Cricket Club Real Ale and Cider Festival runs from Thursday October 16th to Monday October 20th from 5pm. Entry is £2; a souvenir glass costs £1.