A BEER festival is hoping to showcase the best ales from Bury and the North West — while entertaining the crowds with live music.

The Major pub, in Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, is hosting the event across three days from tomorrow.

Today in preparation, the pub’s car park is being converted into a micro-Glastonbury, with marquees, an outside bar and a stage.

Tomorrow night from 6pm Fool and the Gang with Damien Heakin will kick off festivities, followed by a performance from The Secret Lemonade Factory.

On Saturday, Tom Jones Tribute Jed Fry, Matt Rynn and The Jäger Bombers. On Sunday night, Retrospect will take centre stage.

A barbecue will cook burgers and hot dogs across the three days and a hog roast will be prepared overnight on Friday to be served throughout Saturday and Sunday.

But the main event is arguably the vast array of cider and ales on offer. Ten different ciders will be provided by Red Bank Cider in Bolton, and more than 30 real ales will be on sale, including favourites from Ramsbottom Craft Brewery and Brightside Brewery in Radcliffe. Keith Norris, who runs the pub with sister Claire, said: “The fact that we have so many fantastic local breweries is only a good thing for businesses like ours. This is a great chance for people to come and try the best beers, have some food and listen to some superb acts.”