THOUSANDS of real ale fans will be descending on Edgworth next weekend for the village’s sixth annual beer festival.

The Edgworth Real Ale Festi- val will take place at the Barlow Institute between Friday and Sunday.

This year, the theme is Marathon.

A pin was placed in the Bar- low Institute on the map and a radius of 26.2 miles was drawn around it.

The challenge was to source a wide and diverse range of beers from within the boundary to offer at the festival.

Edgworth Real Ale Festival chairman Alex Docherty said: “The success of previous festi- vals ensures this event is eager- ly anticipated by ale lovers from around the North West, and we look forward to welcom- ing them once again.

“It is through their custom, and the generosity of our spon- sors, that we are able to raise so much money for these great causes.”

Funds from the event will be divided between Help for Heroes and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Last year the festival raised £12,000, which was donated to Bolton Mountain Rescue Team and North West Air Ambu- lance.

The headline sponsor of the festival this year is Holdens Ice Cream Shop — an Edgworth institution, who will be selling ice cream throughout the weekend, including a real ale flavoured offering.

Food will be available throughout and entertainment will be provided by The Wit- nesses on Friday and Saturday nights. For further details visit the website at eraf.org.uk or follow on twitter @edgworth realale.