Manchester Beer & Cider Festival at National Cycling Centre

When the National Winter Ales Festival packed up and shipped out of town for the final time last January, it could have been seen as a dark day for fans of large-scale, beery events in Manchester. But with the likes of Mosi Real Ale & Cider Festival and Indy Man Beer Con continuing to thrive and sell out, it was only a matter of time before Camra got its act together and set up Manchester Beer & Cider Festival, which takes place this week at the National Cycling Centre in Sportcity. Featuring 16 bars in the centre of the Velodrome track, this inaugural event is set to become the biggest of its kind in Manchester. Boasting no less than 300 cask conditioned craft ales, plus 75 traditional ciders and perries, and bottle conditioned ales and imported beers, there is likely to be something to suit everyone’s taste. And with a hint that the Great Britain Cycling Team may well be on the track, Manchester Beer Festival looks set to showcase the best in both beer and cycling.

Wed 22 – Sat 25 Jan, National Cycling Centre, Stuart Street, M11 4DQ, Tel: 0161 223 2244, Wed 4.30pm – 10.30pm, Thu & Fri 12pm – 10.30pm, Sat 11am – 7pm, £2 – £5 (FREE for Camra members), www.manchesterbeerfestival.org.uk