REAL ale fans will be tasting beers from across the country at a festival this weekend.

Chester-le-Street Cricket Club, in Ropery Lane, hopes to attract 400 to 500 drinkers to its fifth annual beer festival.

A VIP night is being held tonight and the festival is open to the public on Saturday.

The club regularly wins awards from the local branch of Camra.

Club secretary Adrian Currie said: “The festival is growing and has developed year-on-year.

“We have gone from 12 products to 36 today.

“In the past, we have had local beers, English beers, old and new, but this time we have targeted beers we haven’t had before.

“We are trying to use the micro-breweries, not just locally, but across the country. We have also put the emphasis on cider.”

Proceeds from the event will go to the British Lung Foundation.

The festival is open today and on Saturday, from noon to 11pm.

Entry is £3, which includes a commemorative glass.