Cask ale is enjoying a renaissance in the North West, and one local brewer hopes its latest beer festival will get even more people to try the style.

Manchester brewer Joseph Holt is holding the event at the Woodthorpe, Prestwick (pictured) from 24-26 November and is offering visitors the chance to try more than 20 cask ales over the course of the weekend.

Holt area manager Andy Kershaw said: “Joseph Holt was built on cask ale, and the UK is a world leader in its production. At Joseph Holt we are passionate about cask ale and have continued to brew it even when other pubs and brewers took it off the bar because of the attention to detail involved in crafting the product. That’s why we thought it was so important to stage a joyful event to celebrate our rich history of real ale.”

Over the weekend there will be the opportunity to sample a large range of ales including bitter, IPA and mild from Joseph Holt, as well as cask beer from other North-West brewers.

Brewers will be giving talks about traditional beer over the weekend, plus there will also be an international keg bar.

Music will be provided by local bands, and there will also be traditional pub games including tossing the barrel.

Holts chose the Woodthorpe, which will host the event in a large marquee, as it is the former family home of Sir Edward Holt – the son of Joseph’s eponymous founder – who lived there in the late 1800s.

Kershaw said: “Cask beer holds such a place of affection in the hearts of so many beer drinkers. But it`s also becoming increasingly popular with new and younger drinkers. We hope, whether you’re a newcomer to cask ale or have always enjoyed it, you’ll come to the festival to celebrate this unique part of our history.”