MORE than 70 real ales, beers and ciders will be on offer when a country house holds its annual winter beer festival.

The Best Western Beamish Hall hotel, near Stanley, is to hold its fifth Winter Festival next week.

The festival starts on Friday, January 22 from 6pm to midnight and returns the following day from 3pm to midnight, with a host of live music and a hog roast as well as a wide range of beers.

Two specially-created beers will be unveiled at the festival, which is held in conjunction with the Campaign for Real Ale, The Tangy Tommy and Sloe Bell which are being produced by the hotel’s own micro-brewery.

Among the bands performing over the two days will be well-known Geordie blues band The Junco Partners, alongside rock ‘n’ roll from The Troubleshooters and The Bandits.

Hotel manager Chris Comerford said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming ale fanatics, cider fans and Beamish locals along to join the festivities at our fifth annual Winter Festival. Hopefully we’ll see some new faces among our regular visitors.

“Our expert brewers who oversee the process at our own microbrewery will be on hand throughout the special event to help guests decide which types of ale – including our two brand new brews – are best and put their taste buds to the test.

“It’s fantastic that we’re able to exhibit so many unique ales at this year’s event, and we’re delighted to have so many fantastic local bands on board to keep visitors entertained throughout the weekend.”

Tickets are priced at £5 each and can be purchased from Beamish Hall Country House, Beamish, Stanley.