A HOTEL is putting the finishing touches to its annual music and beer festival, which begins this Friday afternoon.

Thousands of visitors from across the region and beyond are expected to flock to the White Bear Hotel, in Masham, for the three-day event, helping to promote some of the best beers the country’s craft brewing industry has to offer.

Now in its 16th year, the annual festival will feature 30 cask ales, lagers and ciders, with local bands and solo artists catering for a wide range of musical tastes.

General manager Sue Thomas said: “Once again our annual beer and music festival is almost upon us and we are gearing up for what we know will be another fantastic weekend.

"It is one of the highlights of our calendar and an event that is looked forward to by many people, and not just by those who love real ales.

“Those who attend our beer festival come from all over the region, and further afield, with many coming year after year to soak up the wonderful atmosphere it delivers."