AN award-winning pub is getting ready to host its annual beer festival next week.

Now in its sixth year, the Battlesteads Beer Festival returns to Wark from Thursday to next Sunday, with all profits going to the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

The four-day showcase will feature over 20 beers, ciders and foreign lagers, alongside a speciality gin bar.

The range of local ales and speciality beers have been selected to satisfy the thirst of anyone looking to try something new.

The festival will feature live music, with The Stax Brothers headlining on Friday, July 22, and The Mudskippers and Alive and Kicking playing on Saturday, 23.

Katie Meyrick, general manager of Battlesteads, said: “The annual beer festival has become the most popular event of the year for us, attracting hundreds of people across the four days to try the wide selection of beers, ciders and lagers on offer.

“We are continually improving the event and in light of the surge in popularity of gin in recent years, we are introducing the new gin bar, with a selection of eight fabulous gins.

“The festival is a great celebration with a brilliant atmosphere and raising money for a worthy charity.”