PREPARATIONS are underway for a fundraising beer festival which - despite only being in its third year – has already expanded due to its popularity.

The CornShed Charity Beer Festival will take place at Sexhow Park Farm, Hutton Rudby, on Saturday, September 6.

The event, run by Judy Kitching MBE, has this year extended its capacity to cater for 1,000 visitors due to the popularity of the previous two beer festivals. It will run from 3pm until midnight.

Mrs Kitching said: “This event is perfect for both beer enthusiasts and novices alike. It will give you a real taste of a variety of different ales and raises money for the life-saving Great North Air Ambulance Service.

“We have extended our capacity to 1000 this year because of the popularity of our two previous beer festivals, so we are all really looking forward to welcoming some new faces.”

Punters will be able to try out more than 50 real ales from across the UK, as well as several local tipples and a beer brewed to commemorate the achievements of Mrs Kitching.

She was awarded her MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List last year for raising more than £200,000 for charity with events at her farm. The handcrafted ale, the MBEer, is brewed by the Truefitt brewery in Middlesbrough.

GNAAS is also looking for beer barrel sponsors from businesses and individuals.

One of those sponsors is Stella Downing of Pickering, North Yorkshire, who was airlifted by the charity in 2012. She said: “They saved my life and the service means everything to me. It seemed like a good way to show my support because I truly believe in the great work that they do. I am here because of them.”

The event is run in conjunction with Cleveland Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and will feature a line up of live music alongside the fifty real ales, ciders and perries on offer. Wines, soft drinks and food will also be available.

Matt Power of Truefitt Brewing Company in Middlesbrough said: “I am bringing along three locally brewed ales and really looking forward to the event. I have joined the festival as a brewer for the last three years and there’s always a cracking atmosphere and plenty of great beer on offer.”

More than 500 tickets have already been sold for the event. Tickets are £10 and the bars will be operating on a cashless beer card system which requires purchase of a starter pack on arrival for £10, which includes a beer card worth £7.50, a commemorative beer glass and programme.

To book tickets visit; www.gnaas.co.uk/news/