MORE than 60 real ales, lagers and ciders will be on offer at a popular Cockermouth beer festival.

There will also be a selection of gin and prosecco, a quiz and live music on offer at The Kirkgate Centre.

The event is organised by the town's Round Table and is usually held annually but obviously could not go ahead last year.

At the last festival, in 2019, they raised more than £10,000 for local charities and community events.

"We're hoping to blow that out the water this year," said member John Barnicoat.

He said they were looking forward to welcoming lots of people and hoping they might also be able to recruit some new members.

"It's a lot of fun being in the Round Table and great to be able to hold community events. We're hoping more people will join up," he said.

Chairman Geoff Chambers said: "We are very excited to be able to bring this event back, as a key event in the town’s calendar leading up to Christmas.

"All the proceeds fund many local causes and other projects throughout the year including the annual pensioners' trip, which we're looking forward to getting this back in 2022, the Santa’s grotto at the light switch on and Santa’s sleigh.

"These are all provided free of charge to residents of Cockermouth and surrounding villages.

"It takes a huge team effort to arrange this event and a big thank you to everyone involved and this year’s main convener Johnny Barnicoat."

He is hoping the festival will inspire others to join the fun.

"The Round Table has been well established in Cockermouth for many years now and has provided a great ‘fellowship’ for many," he said.

"Now more than ever we are looking for new members to join us and who can help us to continue with this good work. If you are a community-minded sort of a guy aged between 18 and 45, then have a chat over a pint while you are here and find out more from our members."

On Thursday (November 25) and Friday the doors open at 6.30pm. There will be a pub quiz on Thursday and live music, The Misfitz, on Friday. On Saturday, the doors are open from noon to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm, with music from Mojo Rising.

Admission is by tickets only (cockermouthbeerfestival.co.uk). The group is grateful to their various sponsors, including Cumbrian Ales, who make Loweswater Gold.