Book tickets: Manchester Beer and Cider Festival 2018 at Manchester Central

Manchester Beer and Cider Festival 2018 returns on Thursday 25 January for another weekend brewing extravaganza worthy of the title. Organisers Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) promise a range of over 600 beers and 100 ciders spread over three main bars and several smaller ones. These include: The 100 Club Bar, dedicated to showcasing beers perfected by century-old brewers; Little Ireland, shedding light on Northern and Republic of Ireland’s burgeoning ale scene; Bières Sans Frontières bringing the best of Belgian, Dutch, German, Catalonian and Basque beers (amongst others), as well as a dedicated cider and perry bar. There’s also a bottle bar, so you can stock your own fridge with the world’s best brews. Glasses are hired upon entry, and if you book onto one of the daily talks, generous samples are available. These talks – delivered by beer experts Christine Cryne, John Clarke and Sally Lavender – include introductions to “Beer and Cheese” and the processes behind all your favourite dark beers – from mild to stout. Say no to carbonated industrial pints – and say yes to the Manchester Beer and Cider Festival. You can pay on the door, or book advance tickets here. Like the sound of this? Check out our preview of Grub’s Winter Beer Festival which takes place just a week before (Fri 19 – Sun 21 Jan 2018) here.

Thu 25 Jan – Sat 27 Jan, Manchester Central Convention Complex Ltd, Windmill Street, Manchester M2 3GX. Tel: 0161 834 2700, Thu-Fri noon-10.30pm, Sat noon – 7pm, £4-7 (£1 discount for concessions), www.mancbeerfest.uk