THE final kegs will soon be rolled into place as preparations for the 12th annual Northwich Beer Festival near completion.

The two-day event will be held in Northwich memorial hall on Friday evening and all day on Saturday, so beer-lovers will have plenty of chances to sample the variety of ales on offer.

Old favourites like Wobbly Bob and Taylor's Landlord Bitter will be available as well as a special beer to celebrate 100 years of the Rotary Club.

Popular band The Bogtrotters will also be taking to the stage on Friday evening with their own arrangements of Irish and Scottish music and a mix of country, Cajun and modern material.

And band Ska Wars are back by popular demand on Saturday evening to wow the audience with their unique show.

Tickets, priced £5 for the Friday night, £2.50 for the Saturday afternoon and £4 for the Saturday night, are available from Northwich Memorial Hall, Jack Gee Cycles, Grays Travel and Barnton Cricket Club.

This year's event is in aid of the Winsford Neuromuscular Centre, Northwich Carers Centre and Age Concern.

l The Guardian, in conjunction with the festival organisers, is offering our readers a free drink at the festival.

To claim a half pint of your favourite tipple, just collect the two tokens, attach them to the form printed in last week's edition and hand them in at the event.