FINAL preparations are being made for a city’s annual celebration of traditional beer, back at last year’s successful ‘new’ setting.

The 39th Durham Beer Festival, running from Wednesday to Saturday, August 28 - 31, returns to the city rugby club’s Hollow Drift clubhouse, in Green Lane.

Organisers from Durham branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) have stocked 67 beers, with at least 40 on offer at any one-time, plus 12 ciders and perries.

John Collinson, of Durham Camra, said: “Last year was good for us and for the club. We’ve forged a very good relationship.”

Steve Gibbs, from Durham Brewery, which marks its silver jubilee this year, has the honour of pouring the first pint at 6pm, on the Wednesday, to be followed by a special screening of Passion for Vaux – Sunderland’s Lost Brewery, specially produced by Lonely Tower Film and Media to mark 20 years since its closure, at 6.30pm.

Following sessions run from 12-noon to 10.30pm, with a £5 entry charge, including glass and beer token.