A BEER and burger festival will be held later this week to celebrate the 15th birthday of St Helens and Districts Campaign for Real Ale.

Ruskin Sports Village will be hosting the event from Friday, September 22 to Sunday, September 24 in association with charity partner Willowbrook Hospice.

Opening times will be from 6pm – 10pm Friday, noon – 10pm on Saturday and noon – 5pm on Sunday.

St Helens Camra, which campaigns for real ale, community pubs and consumer rights, is hoping "to bring the town together for a weekend of great real ale, food, and entertainment".

It is the first time in many years that the branch has put on such an event, and organisers hope that this will be the first of many more.

Speaking over the summer, chair of St Helens and Districts CAMRA, Gillian Yates, said: “I’m so pleased we have got the chance to put on a beer festival again.

"It’s been something that we have been asked about a lot by our members, but we just haven’t had the resource to do it before now.

"It’s wonderful to have this opportunity especially in our 15th year – what a great way to celebrate.

St Helens Star: The Wicket at Ruskin Sports VillageThe Wicket at Ruskin Sports Village (Image: The Wicket)

Event will be 'family-friendly'

“We hope to attract people from all over the town and beyond who enjoy drinking real ale and even those who don’t as there will be something for everyone. The event will be family friendly, so everyone is welcome.

"It’s being held at Ruskin Sports Village, who we can't thank enough for their support, making use of their excellent bar and restaurant facilities."

The Wicket bar will be open selling its usual fair of lagers, wines and spirits – while a new outdoor decked area will house more than 30 real ales and real ciders over the weekend.

There will also be a bar showcasing international beers. The Wicket will also be selling a range of burgers.