MORE than 7,300 pints of beer from 70 breweries will be available at the biggest beer festival in the Tees Valley this week.

More than 60 volunteers are working for free to get the Ale and Arty Beer Festival, which boasts 83 different beers, ready on time at the Arc, in Stockton.

As well as the beer there will be comedy and music from Thursday to Saturday, although Friday night’s comedy event is already sold out.

Dan Cassidy, festival organiser, took a break from the preparations to explain Cleveland Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) organise the beer festival and the Arc the entertainment.

He said: “It takes a hell of a lot of effort but it’s a real highlight of the year. It works really well with the entertainment because, for example, the comedy night is like a cabaret event, so people can wander in and out a bit. It’s three great days and three great nights.”

On Thursday, music will be provided by Giles Robson and The Dirty Aces and on Saturday Mike McGrother’s new band of Rogues will perform.

The beer festival runs from 11am to 11pm, Thursday to Saturday with a break from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. It’s free in the day time but tickets, available on the door, cost £4.50 on Thursday and Friday and £3.50 on Saturday when some taps begin to run dry.

Prices for the entertainment events vary. Find out more on 01642-525199 or arconline.co.uk