Beer Bashers flying high!

With the Atherton and Tyldesley Beer festival's main beneficiary being Childflight there's a distinct aeronautical feel to the lengthy list of beverages available at the Formby Hall event with brews like Lancaster Bomber, Spitfire, Rocket, Aviator, Kamikaze.

Festival spokesman Paul Barber told the Journal: "We are delighted that Coachouse Brewery from Warrington is producing a new brew specifically for the event.

"Continuing the flight theme and in particular the fact that profits will be used to help send critically ill children to Disneyworld, the new brew is to be called "Dumbo's Disney Delight" and will be available for sampling for the very first time at the Bent and Bongs Bash opening day -- Thursday, January 30."

Local flavour comes from breweries based in Golborne, Bolton, Warrington, Bury, Burnley, Standish, Heywood, Stockport, Moss Side. And Leyden Brewery from Bury is sending two brews, including their aptly named new concoction called Black Pudding.

Title holder

There's also Atherton Ale and a Bongs Bitter and a reappearance of last year's Beer of the Festival -- Carlow's Celtic Stout from Ireland. Another title holder on tap is the Wye Valley's Dorothy Goodbody Wholesome Stout the CAMRA Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2002.

Strongest beers this year are Lees' Moonraker at 7.5% and Robinson's Old Tom at 8.5%. Nomination for Best Name goes to Barngate's Chester's Strong & Ugly.

A collection of strong lagers and ciders from around the world include Bin Laden's Downfall and Saddam's Mother of all Ciders -- both at a mind-blowing 10%.

Hot food including a wonderful selection of sausages plus live music and entertainment means there's every reason to drop in to the event at the Formby Hall, Atherton which is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Jan 30 - February 1.

Proceeds from the festival, organised by Atherton and Tyldesley Round Table and CAMRA, will help charities including, Childflight and Francis House Children's Hospice.