RAISING A GLASS: Ready to welcome revellers to their beer festival are Butterknowle Village Hall members Gillian Lamb, Klara and Bryan Whiley, Darren Tookey, Heather Dunn and June Wilson
RAISING A GLASS: Ready to welcome revellers to their beer festival are Butterknowle Village Hall members Gillian Lamb, Klara and Bryan Whiley, Darren Tookey, Heather Dunn and June Wilson

BUTTEREKNOWLE beer festival is back after a two year hiatus.

Organisers of the popular event have used the intervening period to come up with new ideas and a revamp of the format.

Principally a fundraiser for the village hall, the festival has become a favourite for beer, cider and music lovers.

Chief organiser of the event is The Royal Oak pub landlord Darren Tookey, who has lined up Elvis tribute act Andrew King and Barnard Castle rock band The WunderDogs to perform at the two-day event.

Bryan Wiley, who has been part of the event since it was started about five years ago, said: “Darren has made it simpler.

“The first time we were using people from the open mic throughout the day, and that was hard work. We have learned from our experience.”

Mr Tookey added: “Sunday was always the quietest day so we have decided to do away with that.”

The festival, which runs on Friday, June 14, and Saturday, June 15, will boast ten real ales on tap – two each from five breweries in the region – and a number of ciders.

Doors open at 6pm on Friday with Andrew Kind taking to the stage at 8pm, while the event kicks off at 4pm on Saturday with The WunderDogs’ performance starting at 8pm.

Tickets cost £5 for hall members and £6 for non-members. Children enter free of charge.

Food such as hotdogs and pies will be on sale at the village hall.