A POPULAR Bolton brewery has toasted the success of its first beer festival.

Northern Monkey Brew Co, which run Northern Monkey bar in Nelson Square and a new tap house in Chorley Street, held ‘Monkey in the Woods’ beer festival on Saturday September 4 at Barrow Bridge car park off Barrow Bridge Road.

A range of locally brewed beers, including many of their own, ciders and Bolton gin were sold at the event, with live music and food on offer.

Ryan Bailey, who runs Northern Monkey with Liam Convey and Kevin Barber, said: “It was a massive success, everybody loved it.

“The volunteers were awesome.”

The brewery also posted on its Facebook page thanking all of those who attended. They said: “A huge thank you to everyone who attended ‘Monkey in the Woods’ on Saturday! You all made it a great success! A special thank you to the The Woodland Trust for all their hard work and allowing the event to go ahead! We’ve received so much excellent feedback. Same again next year.”

Thirty per cent of the proceeds from the event will be donated to The Woodlands Trust, Smithills Estate, to help them to continue preserving and maintaining the estate for years to come.