LET THE FESTIVALS BE-GIN

TWO popular North East beer, cider and gin festivals are set make a welcome return this summer.

For the sixth year running, the Malhotra Festivals are taking place at The Runhead, Ryton and The Sandpiper, Cullercoats.

And not only will there be a larger than ever line-up of the region’s finest craft beers, ales and ciders but there will also be live music and family activities at each venue.

The festivals, which are free to attend and are organised by Newcastle-based leisure company, Malhotra Group plc, will take place from 8 to 11 August at The Runhead and 15 to 18 August at The Sandpiper.

They will feature a range of ales, ciders, craft and gins from local and well-established suppliers and brands, including Cullercoats, Firebrick, GinTing, Schweppes, Artisan Tonics, Anarchy Brew Co., Sussex Sea Cider, Sonnet 43, Heineken and Whitley Neill.

Both venues will also be laying on fun-day entertainment for families, with bouncy castles, face painters, ice cream rolls and sports day games with superhero characters on the Sundays of both festivals.

Operations manager, Chris Shorter, said the festivals “just keeping going from strength to strength.

“They’ve garnered a strong following, not only among people who really appreciate the craftsmanship of the various brews, but also with families looking for a safe and fun day out.”

Both festivals are free to attend, however tickets for the family fundays, which are £3 per child, can be purchased from each of the venues and all ticket sales will be donated to The Prince’s Trust, which is the Malhotra Group plc’s nominated charity.

For further information about the two festivals contact the venue websites at www.therunhead.co.uk andwww.thesandpiperbar.co.uk.