Real ale lovers get a taste for a great weekend

BARREL of laughs . . . Oldham Mayor, Councillor Ateeque Ur-Rehman, with organiser Peter Sheldon

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MANCHESTER Skyline, Monkey Gone To Heaven and Mama Knows Best were among the many beers, bitters, ales and ciders enjoyed by hundreds of real ale enthusiasts during the 28th Oldham Beer Festival.

Crowds of Campaign for Real Ale members, festival regulars and first timers supped their way through 60 different local beers from independent companies and breweries — all dry by mid-evening on Saturday!

Local traders showed off their premier ales, including the best-selling Silver Owl from Greenfield Brewery, originally created to mark the festival’s 25th anniversary and making only its second festival appearance over the weekend.

As well ciders, perry and fruit wines, there were also 50 different types of bottled beers hailing from as far as Japan and Norway.

Organised by the Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch of CAMRA, the festival raises funds for the Mayor of Oldham’s Appeal Committee and its four chosen charities — the Christie at Oldham, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, ACE Centre North, and Action Oldham Fund.

Oldham Mayor, Councillor Ateeque Ur-Rehman, accompanied by Mayoress, Yasmin Toor, put his pint-pulling skills to practice when he got behind the bar to serve thirsty customers on Friday while Uppermill Brass Band entertained the crowds.