There’s something new brewing at this year’s Tynedale Beer and Cider Festival, which each year raises tens of thousands of pounds for local charities.

The organisers – a volunteers from Tynedale Lions and Tynedale Rugby Football Club – ave been planning the three-day event since last September and Steve Hull from the RFC said the result was “a festival for everyone,” not just beer buffs who enjoyed a decent pint of real ale.

Visitors to the event to take place between June 13 and 15 on the rugby grounds at Tynedale Park, Corbridge, can expect good quality food, a wider range of drinks including a first in the shape of bar selling rum, new bands on the stage and even glamping facilities.

“We have a new volunteer who has come in to organise the catering for us,” said Steve. “It is an example of how we have developed it for a better festival for all.

“And Dark Sky Glamping has provided us with a lot of its bell tents where everything is set up ­– rugs, duvet... all you have to do is flop into bed. This year camping is already up 25 per cent on last year which is good.

“The more people that stay overnight the better. It makes a better atmosphere.”

The charities to benefit from the festival this year are North Tyne Youth, which offers sporting and other activities for young people in the area; WECAN which helps young people with additional needs and disabilities to access leisure activities; and Tynedale Hospice at Home.

On the Saturday, a rugby sevens event will take place in aid of the Stay Strong Stu charity which supports several good causes.

The charity was set up in memory of former Tynedale rugby player Stu Ridley from Wark, who died from an inoperable brain tumour aged just 25.

Steve added: “A few years ago we revamped everything and got involved with a marketing group and it is now a professional event that would stand up against any of them in the North-East.”

“Our biggest year was 2017 because of the weather. Ticket sales are going well and we are hoping for another good one this year.”

More details about the festival can be found at www.tynedalebeerfestival.org.uk