Charlbury is running its very own Oktoberfest with the return of its traditional Beer Festival next month.

This year there will be three separate four-hour sessions each with a capacity of 180 visitors and its own distinct musical ambience.

The event, which was cancelled in both 2020 and 2021, hopes to feature 30 real ales, a range of ciders, wine, plus soft drinks. There will also be a great selection of food.

The Beer Festival raises money for community projects both in the Charlbury area and overseas, and has raised well over £250,000 in total for good causes.

There have been donations to 50 local organisations, ranging from Charlbury Primary School and the town’s Pre-School, to local sports clubs, Charlbury’s Day Centre and Community Centre, and 12 overseas projects in Africa, India and South America.

Organisers said: "We must thank those generous sponsors who are financing the beers, and of course, the beers themselves, plus the many hours that committee members and other volunteers put in. Cheers all round!"

They add: "The venue is conveniently located in the centre of Charlbury, which has excellent all-day (including late night) bus and train services to and from Oxford, Chipping Norton, Reading, Witney, Worcester and London, so you don’t even need to drive if you want to have a drink. Naturally, we will abide by the latest Covid guidelines in place at the time."

The 23rd Charlbury Beer Festival will take place on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 October at the Charlbury War Memorial Hall.

The sessions and acts are: Friday 15th: 6pm – 10pm, covers night with Sirloin and the Steaks; Saturday 16th: noon – 4pm, acoustic session – Dave Oates and Jess Marshall; Saturday 16th: 6pm – 10pm, Beer Festival favourites, ska sensations Hope and Glory.

Over-18s only, admission by pre-booking online tickets for a specific session only, and limited to four tickets per booking.

Visit the website at www.charlburybeerfestival.org