THINGS are certainly brewing in Bury as it gears up to stage a two-day Bonsai bonanza this weekend.

Castle Armoury is the venue for the Bonsai Europa 2015 event, which is expected to attract as many as 2,000 visitors on Saturday and Sunday (Oct 10-11).

Fans of the Japanese art form, which involves pruning miniature trees to give them a unique appearance, are expected to flock to the town for the first major Bonsai show to be held in the UK since 1990.

Director of the event is Ramsbottom businessman Tony Tickle, a Bonsai crafter and exhibition judge.

And to mark the occasion, a local micro-brewery has crafted a one-off artisan ale for those dedicated to the art of miniature horticulture. Bonsai Beer has been created using an Anglo-Japanese hop called Boadicea by Silver Street Brewing Company’s head brewer, Craig Adams.

Boadicea is described as a mild, light floral and spicy, with a grassy scented aroma and floral notes of orchard blossom. It is being served on draft in the local award-winning pub and home to Silver Street Brewing Company, The Clarence.

Around 125 Bonsai from around the world, including a 300-year-old tree flown in from Japan with its own bodyguard, will be on show for what will be the UK’s largest exhibition dedicated to the art.

Visitors can expect live demonstrations from 11 Bonsai artists, free hands-on children’s workshops, including a tree to take home, and a huge Bonsai marketplace. There is also a Bonsai clinic for people to get advice and help.

Mr Tickle said: "This has been two years in the planning and people will be coming from as far away as New Zealand. Bonsai Europa will now be held in Bury every two years."

The event will be open between 9.30am and 5.30pm on Saturday and between 9.30am and 3.30pm on Sunday.

A single day wristband for the exhibition and Bonsai market only is £10 and £15 for the exhibition, market and demonstrations. A weekend wristband for the exhibition, market and demonstrations is £25. There is free admission for children under 16 accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are available on the door.

To find out more: visit www.bonsaieuropa.com