Beer connoisseur and passionate pub campaigner, Mark previews the Clitheroe Beer Festival. Follow Mark @realaleupnorth on Twitter

Yes, the superbly organised Clitheroe Beer Festival returns throwing open its doors at 4.30pm today, to welcome a throng of discerning beer drinkers, eager to sample in excess of 60 real ales, ciders and perries, over a period of three days, at the Assembly Hall of St. Michael and St John’s.

Here are a magnificent seven beers to recommend..

Avid Brewing Company, Catherine the Greater (10%): Barrel-aged, Russian Imperial Stout, especially brewed in memory of late festival organiser, Catherine Snelling. Complex flavours of roasted malts, molasses, fig, treacle and subtle, vinous fruit.

Folly, Pure Folly (4.8%): Golden Ale. Tropical fruit and floral aroma, with a light, caramel malt note that balances well with refreshing pink grapefruit and mango flavours.

Thwaites, Majestic Pale Ale (6%): It’s a strong ‘un, with a shed load of orange and marmalade zest. Deep-flavoured exellence. More juicy, tangy orange flavour in the dry, lingering finish.

Unbound, Supernova (3.4%): A stunning full flavoured, hazy pale ale, that belies its very modest strength.Bags of thirst-quenching, citrus notes from the tangy hops. Fledgling brewer from Colne, making exceptional craft beers.

Marble, Export Mild( 5.4%): A robust ale for the style. Caramel, coffee and dark chocolate are very much to the fore; they balance beautifully. More roasted malt in the lightly hopped, drying finish.

Harrogate, Best Bitter (4.5%): It was recently crowned the national SIBA 2022 cask premium bitter champion. Expecting sweet caramel and nutty notes from the crystal malt.

Verdant, Headband - keykeg (5.5%): Vivid orange in presentation. Lip-smacking, tropical fruit, citrus and caramel flavours are blended expertly to perfection. A Cornish bittersweet brewing masterpiece.

The festival is open today 4.30pm-9.30pm for CAMRA members, trade and sponsors and Friday and Saturday, for all from 11.30am-11pm.