A POPULAR beer festival is returning to Rainhill this month for the 19th time.

Organised by the Rainhill Rotary Club, the annual festival was started way back in 2003 and has rapidly grown in popularity over the years.

Following a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, the festival returned to the village last year and was described as a resounding success by organisers and guests.

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St Helens Star: The 19th festival takes place from October 19The 19th festival takes place from October 19 (Image: Rainhill Rotary Club)
With the event attended by hundreds of real ale enthusiasts, it is also supported by a host of local businesses and has distributed thousands of pounds to help local charities and worthwhile causes over the years.

This year's event will take place at Rainhill Recreation Club over a three day period from Thursday, October 19, with more than 100 ales, 20 lagers, and 30 ciders on offer for guests.

There will also be a variety of food stalls on offer at the event, as well as free soft drinks and a Prosecco bar, wines, and gins provided by Liverpool Gin Distillery.

Fundraising for local causes in Rainhill, St Helens, and worldwide, the Rotary Club has raised more than £380,000 over the decades.

Locally, this has benefitted organisations such as Citadel Arts Ltd, St Ann’s Centre, Blackbrook Junior U14 Football, Rainhill Utd Junior FC, Rainhill Cricket Club, St Helens Youth Brass Band, Honeyrose Foundation, St Helens MIND, and more.

The event will begin on Thursday and Friday (19th and 20th) from 7pm and Saturday (21st) from 1pm. Tickets and information can be found here.