A BEER festival that has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds returns for the 20th time this weekend.

Launching as a small beer festival back in 2003, Rainhill Beer Festival has grown to become a hugely popular, boozy, and charitable festival each October.

With two events cancelled during the pandemic, the 20th annual beer festival is back at Rainhill Recreation Club from Thursday, October 17 until Saturday, October 19.

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A poster for this weekend's festivalA poster for this weekend's festival (Image: Rainhill Rotary Club) Organised by Rainhill Rotary Club, the beer festival has risen to become one of the biggest charity festivals across the North West.

The local Rotary club, which works throughout the year to raise money and support good causes, raised more than £25,000 during their work last year.

Since the Rainhill group's formation, it has raised more than £450,000 for a wide variety of good causes, which has benefitted various sports teams, community clubs, and charities across Rainhill and the wider St Helens borough.

100 ales, 20 lagers, and 30 ciders will be on offer at this weekend's festival, as well as a gin, prosecco and wine bar.

There will also be food available, free soft drinks, and a new craft ale bar provided by Neptune Brewery.

Club President Dave RobertsClub President Dave Roberts (Image: Rainhill Rotary Club) Rainhill Rotary Club President Dave Roberts said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have sponsored the event and all the volunteers and friends of our Club who give of their time willingly and freely and without whom we simply could not run the Festival.

"I would like to thank the Beer Festival Committee for all the many hours of hard work over the past months.

"Finally, a big thank you to you for coming along and supporting what is now one of the largest community events in our area. Your presence will ensure that we can help many more charitable organisations and worthy causes.

"So all that remains is for me to wish you well …..please enjoy the festival!"

Thursday and Friday's events will take place from 7pm until 11pm, with Saturday's event taking place from 1pm until 11pm. More information can be found here.