THE Northwich Beer Festival is just around the corner and for one man in particular it will be a very special event.

In the summer of 1993 Northwich Rotarian Paul Lightfoot sat in the Saracen's Head, in Warrington, and discussed the possibility of a beer festival with CAMRA's (Campaign for Real Ale) Mark Enderby.

Much hard work and 12 months later, on September 16 and 17, 1994, the memorial hall played host to the first Northwich Beer Festival.

Paul Lightfoot said: "At that time beer festivals were generally confined to much larger towns or cities with brewing connections.

"Northwich was different - it had no brewery and, unlike most towns of a similar size, it was almost exclusively dominated by one brewer. The choice of beer in pubs was very limited."

This was seen as reason enough to launch a festival and bring a variety of beers into the town. Although Paul and the other organisers did not realise it, a major social event was born.

"Nobody knew how many people would attend or how much beer would be drunk," said Paul.

"It was therefore with much relief that on Saturday evening all the beer had been consumed by 10.30pm - in spite of the fact that some of us had to rush to Ellesmere Port to bring in emergency beer supplies."

The festival has raised thousands of pounds for local charities and is now looking forward to its seventh year on September 22 and 23.

Once again it is courtesy of a combination of the Rotary Clubs of Northwich and Northwich Vale Royal, CAMRA and, of course, plenty of beer.

And with such a variety of beer and cider on offer the Guardian is going to help you grab a free half of whatever takes your fancy.

We are publishing our second beer token for you to cut out and keep. When you have three tokens, simply take them along to the festival and swap them for a free half pint.

Only original tokens will be accepted in exchange for your free half-pint. Only one free half-pint per person. Editor's decision is final.

Get your token from the Northwich Guardian

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