HUNDREDS of gallons of the finest beer and cider in south Cumbria awaits eager ale drinkers who will attend a popular Dalton festival.

Now in its third year, the Dalton Beer Festival will return to the Chequers Hotel for two days of fun, entertainment, and plenty of ale.

Since it started, the festival's popularity has grown and grown. This year, organisers have had to increase their stock of alcohol everyone will be able to raise a glass or two.

The Furness Campaign for Real Ale will supply the beer, and a team of knowledgeable bartenders will be on hand to serve thirsty patrons.

Dave Stubbins, chair of Furness Camra said: "Chequers have really advertised it well; it's really struck the imagination. Each year, the beers we get for them run out on the Saturday night."

This year, there will be even more on offer for the public to sample. Camra will supply 20 casks for the event, equating to more than 250 gallons.

More than 20 local brewers will be represented in what is to be a celebration of the industry in the area.

Charlotte Benn, manager at Chequers, was excited that the event was growing, and becoming a bigger part of life in Dalton.

She said: "It's growing every year. This year we've had to put on 50 per cent more beer than last year."

Focusing on local brewers was something Mrs Benn thought made Dalton stand apart from other festivals.

She said: "All 20 of our ales that we have are from inside 26 miles of Dalton. We're trying to keep it local."

Throughout the weekend the public will be entertained by a range of musical guests. Bands will be performing, and local singer Becki Fishwick will also make an appearance.

Organisers are hoping for a sunny day on the weekend which usually signals the start of their summer season.

Mrs Benn said: "It's a nice way to start off the season. We've had the sunshine out for the last two years, it would nice to enjoy great weather and great ales."

The increased interest in local beer and cider has been plain to seen in Furness over recent years. Last autumn, hundreds of people came to the Coronation Hall for the 20th Ulverston Beer Festival.

Thanks to the work of Camra, these events offer local producers the chance to showcase their best products and keep the spirit of traditional brewing alive.

Mrs Benn thanked the volunteers from Camra, who made the festival a reality thanks to the time and expertise they donated.

She said: "We wouldn't be able to run the festival without the help of Camra."

The festival will begin on Friday April 21 running from 2pm to 12am. It will continue the following day from 12pm to 12am.

For more information visit the Chequers website or call them on 01229462124.

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