BEER fans were over the moon as a popular festival kicked off for the first time at the Macron Stadium.

Bolton Beer Festival has been so successful in previous years at Bolton Rugby Club that organisers decided to move it to the larger venue, with a special opening before and after Bolton Wanderers' League One match against Oldham on Saturday.

When the curtain came up on the four-day event last Wednesday, organiser Clive Nightingale said he was nervous about how things would turn out at its new home.

However, beer lovers gave a big thumbs up to the event, which attracted 1,700 paying customers on Friday and 1,500 more the following day.

Ales from local breweries, Bank Top and Black Edge, were among the most popular, organisers said.

John Cummings, aged 48, of Farnworth, said: "I've been going for the last few years and liked it at the rugby club but this was even better.

"There was plenty of room to sit down and the Premier Suite at the Macron, where it was taking place, was decorated really well.

"The range of beer was fantastic."

There were 245 beers and 13 lagers on offer, with around 200 volunteers serving over the four days.

Last year's festival raised £42,000 for Bolton Lads and Girls Club and, though the final amount is still being tallied up, Mr Nightingale said he expects to be able to donate a similar amount to the club from this year's festival.

"We've been encouraged by the response this year. We had 360 ticket sales booked alone for Friday night and the feedback we got was great, though there is always something to learn from," he added, before thanking the volunteers and sponsors for all their effort.

Wanderers supporter Christian Sansom, aged 58, of Blackrod, said: "The club seems to be doing a lot more now to get more events in at the stadium and it’s good to be able to have something like this.

"People drink in the pubs near the ground, but it's rare to get this opportunity to sample so many weird and wonderful beers. It's great."