THE popular Blackburn Beer Festival will return to the town this May following a successful 2014 event.

Last year, more than 1,900 people joined the festival at Blackburn Rugby Club, raising more than £20,000 for Blackburn Youth Zone.

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This year’s event is sponsored by brewery Thwaites, accountancy firm PM+M and Farleys Solicitors, and is set to showcase more than 60 real ales from the North West and beyond, plus a selection of ciders and lagers.

Peter Little, from Blackburn Youth Zone, said: “We are proud to be the beneficiaries of the beer festival once again.

“It is a great weekend that brings together so many businesses and people from across our community which makes a substantial contribution to our charity.

“The money raised during the festival will be spent improving the prospects and opportunities for young people in this area.”

Lee Williams, head of marketing at Thwaites, said: “This is a perfect festival for Thwaites and all the local brewers of East Lancashire to really show off the diversity of beers available in the region.

“Last year’s event was a huge success thanks to a number of local businesses who all came together to make it happen and helped raise a fantastic amount of money for a worthy local cause. We’re certain this year’s event will be a huge success.”

The Blackburn Beer Festival will take place at Blackburn Rugby Club from Friday to Sunday, May 1 to 3.

Tickets cost £5 and will be on sale at the end of March.