ONLY hours to go before the first pints are pulled at this year’s Knutsford Beer Festival.

The three-day celebration takes off at Egerton Place this evening, Thursday.

Organisers hope to achieve a new fundraising target after a surge in ticket sales.

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Andrew Malloy, festival chairman, said: “Tickets have been selling faster than ever before.

“We’re thrilled to be back in Egerton Place because it was such a perfect venue for us last year.

“We are so grateful to the team at MBOSS for letting us use the venue again and for their generous support.”

A choice of 45 craft beers and real ales hand-picked from breweries across the north west will be available.

A selection of craft cider and lager alongside a dedicated wine and gin bar will be run by Morgan Edwards.

More than 1,000 guests visited the festival last year and the event raised £10,000 for good causes.

This year, organisers hope to achieve an even higher figure for two charities that support the local community, Hope Central and the Toy Appeal.

Sponsorship lead Kevin Jardine said: “Knutsford Beer Festival is such a brilliant charity event.

“I think it’s going to be one of the best beer festivals we’ve ever held.”

Encirc is the lead sponsor with Mobberley Brewhouse, Evolving Sound, Jack Richards & Son, Redrow Homes, Slater Gordon and PR Jones all pledging support.

Since its inception in 2013, the volunteer-run beer festival has raised more than £37,000 for local charities.

Tickets cost £10 and include entry to any one of the sessions, a souvenir glass to keep plus one free drink.

Sessions are held each evening plus there is an additional afternoon session on the Saturday.

A mix of Live and DJ music is planned for all evening sessions and the Saturday afternoon session will see the return of the tasting masterclasses, all included in the ticket price.

To buy tickets visit knutsfordbeerfestival.org.uk