BEER fans from throughout the North West will be flocking to Birkenhead this weekend as the town’s annual beer festival continues.

The event, which began last night at the Pacific Road Theatre, has been organised by the Wirral branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

This year’s event – which has been given the theme “North by North West” – focuses on locally-brewed ales.

The majority of the 100-plus ales on sale were brewed in Merseyside and Cheshire.

The remainder hail from breweries in North Wales and the wider North West.

Wirral breweries represented include Brimstage Brewery and Peerless Brewery.

Organiser Mike McGuigan said: “If you’d like to try some of the diverse styles of beer out there – from a dark chocolatey stout or mild, to a tangy full-flavoured bitter or a delicate fruity golden ale, then the festival is the place to go.” The event runs from 7pm to 11pm tonight.

There will also be an afternoon session on Saturday.

This runs from 12pm to 4pm and an evening session from 7pm to 11pm.

Tickets must be bought in advance. Visit www.camrawirral.org.uk for details.