PONTELAND Beer Festival, organised annually by Ponteland Rugby Club, has been arranged to take place this summer.

The Beer Festival will take place on Friday, 3 June and Saturday, 4 June, next to the rugby pitch at Ponteland Leisure Centre.

Andrew Maidwell, organiser of the festival, said: "The festival is the principle source of income for Ponteland Rugby Club. The community-based event is a great success for the club and the community."

Since April 2020, Ponteland Rugby Club have attempted to reschedule the event on four separate occasions, all of which were cancelled due to the pandemic and cost the club critical amounts of money.

"It was devastating for the festival to be cancelled," said Andrew. "It's the biggest fundraiser event over the year for Ponteland Rugby Club."

Andrew said it was primarily volunteers from the Rugby Club who got the festival running this year.

Starting at 12pm and running until 11pm, families are welcome to the event, particularly in the afternoon when sports activities will be held.

The first Beer Festival was held in April 2014, and has become an anticipated event in Ponteland's calendar.

"We haven't lost one sponsor since the last Beer Festival in 2019. Thanks to those who have supported us."

More than 100 beers and lagers, along with 40 types of cider, will accompany street food and live entertainment.

This year, there will be a new addition of a gin bar. There will also be prosecco, various wines, and soft drinks.

The performance line-up will include the bands Folk Soul Brothers, Union Street, Maverick Rejects, Redwings, and Bay 6.

Tickets will go on sale in February for £20 which includes four drink tokens and entry fee.

"We've always been very well supported, and we're bouncing back with a bigger festival over a wider area and fully-floored inside marquees. Both days have a full music programme, and there's a range of food and drink to suit every palette," said Andrew.

Proceeds from the Beer Festival go to the Rugby Club, but they make various contributions to local charities.

To find out more information and book tickets when they become available, go to pontelandbeerfestival.co.uk.