ART fans will be able to sample a tipple that has been brewed specifically for a month-long event which takes over Darlington.

The fifth Darlington Arts Festival is taking place between April 27-May 31 and to add to the enjoyment of the event local Mithril Ales brewer Pete Fenwick is again producing and supplying a specially crafted festival ale.

Performing Arts is a pale ale at 3.9 per cent, a fruity, citrusy hoppy beer.

The festival is being co-ordinated by Darlington for Culture (DfC), the group which speaks for arts and culture in the area, and many of the organisations and individuals supporting the event are reflected in the programme.

The creator of the pale ale, Mr Fenwick said: “I’m delighted to be associated with the Festival, which is going from strength to strength and showcases all that’s great about Darlington’s culture. It is very important for us all to support the arts, so get out there and see some of the events. I’m sure I will be.”

The places stocking the ale in and around the Darlington area are the Quakerhouse; Quoits Club; Number Twenty Two; Voodoo Cafe; Old Well, Barnard Castle; Stanwick, Aldbrough St John; Four Alls, Ovington; Croft Hotel, Croft; Ship Inn, Middlestone Village; The George, Piercebridge; Blacksmith’s Arms, Preston le Skerne; and Glaxo Sport & Social Club, Barnard Castle

John Dean, DfC chairman, said: “Mithril Ales has supported the festival right from the beginning and we are delighted that they are again producing something special to celebrate the event.”

Beer lovers are being encouraged to look out for the distinctive pump clip from Monday, May 1.