ALLENDALE Brewery will be open to the public for the first time ever during this year’s Allen Valleys Folk Festival.

The brewery has a long-standing relationship with the festival, but this year will see even more of a partnership.

Festival-goers will get to see the brew floor and chat with brewers, while the brewery will also be hosting live music.

The brewery’s brand new beer will also be poured for the first time during the festival.

Neil Thomas, Allendale Brewery’s director, said: “It’s the first time we’re going to open the doors to the public.

“We’ve had tours, but this is the first time it’s just open for people to come in.

“This will be the most we’ve been involved with the festival.

“We’re going to have live music down here and the first pour of our new beer.

“We’re keen to support the folk festival. We always do, but this year we’re more into it. We’ve also got a bar which we’ll be running next to the village hall.”

Peter Aldcroft, who organises the folk festival, was pleased with the partnership.

He said it was part of an attempt to get the whole village involved in the festival.

“We’re trying to create more of an open feel, rather than just having it in the village hall,” he said.

“We’re also in partnership with both pubs and there will be gigs in each pub. We’ll be announcing the acts soon. Ticket sales are up 30 per cent on last year.”

This year’s festival, headlined by Northumberland folk group The Unthanks, runs from Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29.