A RANGE of musical entertainment will help the ale flow as the Houghton Beer and Cider Festival returns, this weekend.

The Miners’ Welfare Hall, alongside Houghton Sports Centre, in Station Road, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 5AH, is the venue for the increasingly popular festival, now in its eighth year.

Run by Houghton 41 Club, it supports a range of nominated local charities, with £6,000 raised for good causes last year.

It features a well-stocked bar with 25 real ales and 20 real ciders, including local favourites from the Maxim Brewery, at nearby Rainton Bridge, popular produce from the Allendale Brewery, but others from as far afield as Devon, Somerset and Kent.

The first pint is pulled at 6pm, tomorrow, with singer/guitarist Josh Hodgson, from Sunderland, with his range of rock, pop and soul covers, providing the entertainment.

Opening night events run until last orders, at 11.30pm, with tickets costing £5, including a commemorative glass and one free beer token.

Saturday is divided into 12-noon until 5pm, and 6pm to 11.30pm, sessions.

The afternoon will have a more ‘relaxed’ feel, with background music provided by experienced function band, Distant Suns, playing a mix of songs from the 1950s to the present day.

Four-piece band Liberty Belle’s rock, soul and pop classic covers from the 70s onwards will provide a high-energy festival finale.

Tickets are £5 for the afternoon session, but £10 for the evening, which includes the glass and two tokens. Further details can be found on www.houghton41club.co.uk or www.facebook.com/houghton41club.