BINGLEY'S first ever beer festival starts this evening, with organisers hoping the heatwave keeps thirsty punters flocking to the town's market square throughout the weekend.

A giant marquee will be temporary home to more than 60 different real ales and 30 ciders which are all hoped to sell out by the time the fun ends on Sunday.

"To my knowledge, there's never been a beer festival in Bingley before and hopefully it could well become an annual event," said Howard Martin, honorary president of the town's chamber of trade.

"And this one is being run independently by the chamber with extra help from Bingley's Foundry Hill bar and some good advice from Bradford Council's markets people," Mr Martin said.

"Of course we hope the heatwave holds, although a few degrees cooler would be nice, just to make it a bit more comfortable for people," Mr Martin said.

"There will be a prosecco bar and live bands throughout with acoustic sessions taking place in the day.

"We're looking to make Saturday more of a family event with free mini-fairground rides for children and the town's new mascot Bingley the Bear will be making another appearance.

"And with five different catering stalls offering everything from burgers to curry, there will be plenty of food to soak up the odd fine pint," Mr Martin said.

Part of the organisational costs have are being paid from £10,000 which was given to the chamber of trade by Bradford Council after the departure of the town centre manager.

"Some of that has been used as leverage to get other people to invest and many local businesses are helping fund the festival by sponsoring a barrel and things like that," Mr Martin explained.

Foundry Hill manager Jonathan Watson said they hoped to offer something for everyone.

"We've got a wide selection from Yorkshire and across the UK with lots of pale ales for the summer, darks, bitters and porters and also eight different lagers," he said.

Ward Councillor for Bingley David Heseltine welcomed what he called "another boost to Bingley's economy."

"It's another opportunity for people across the district to come and see just what we've got on offer.

"Additional events like this can only increase footfall in the town which is good news," Cllr Heseltine said.

Fellow councillor Mark Shaw said he hoped people would turn out to give the festival a great start.

"It should be a fun weekend and I hope as many people as possible will attend and give their support," he said.

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