Excitement as building as Bury's popular beer festival returns today, Friday, for the first time in three years.

Boasting a huge range of ales, ciders, larger, and local brewers, there is bound to be something for all drinkers at Bury Beer Festival at The Met this weekend.

With the "soft launch" giving some festival-goers a taste of what’s to come on Thursday, we had a first look at what to expect.

Victoria Robinson, The Met's first female chief executive, said: “Come along, pay an entry fee, and drink some beer!

“This is the first time the beer festival has been on since 2019.

Bury Times: Victoria Robinson, The Met's first female Chief ExecutiveVictoria Robinson, The Met's first female Chief Executive (Image: Harriet Heywood)

“We’ve got a number of local brewers, beers and cider, and it is a celebration really of independent brewers and businesses in Bury.

“It is also Bury Beer Week which is running across this current week as well featuring a number of Bury bars and some local musicians too.”

Bury Times: Festival goers Graham Henry and Andrew JacksonFestival goers Graham Henry and Andrew Jackson (Image: Harriet Heywood)

Festival goers Graham Henry and Andrew Jackson spoke about their successes in finding their "favourite" drink.

Whilst Graham confidently named the Deeply Vale’s DVA , Henry was a little less sure.

He said: “I’m still searching for my favourite beer, it’s a never-ending mission but Cashmere by Brewsmith Beer up till now.

“I’ll have a quick brekkie tonight and come back tomorrow to carry on.”

Other favourites which had been recommended included Brightside Brewing company’s new "Soz Dad Cherry Sour" and the ginger and rum ciders from The Met's own cider bar.

@theburytimes First look at Bury Beer Festival which officially begins TODAY! 🍻 Let us know if you’re going and what you’re most excited to try. #Bury #Beer #Festival #Drink #Community #greatermanchester #beerfestival2022 ♬ original sound - The Bury Times

Read more: Bury Beer Festival makes a return after three years out

Bury Times: Shaun Gibson, Assistant Events Manager at the Met Shaun Gibson, Assistant Events Manager at the Met (Image: Harriet Heywood)

Shaun Gibson, assistant events manager at The Met, said: “I'm on the cider bar, which has been put on by The Met.

“It’s sponsored by Barclays Bank so whatever we make here today, they will match, and we are very excited to have everybody here.

“Personally, I recommend the ginger cider or the rum cider but just come along and try it all.”

Bury Times: Bury Beer Festival goers try different ciders Bury Beer Festival goers try different ciders (Image: Harriet Heywood)

Speaking on the significance of the event, Victoria said: “This is our annual fundraiser so the money from the door fees goes towards our charitable work, work in the building and it helps us put on brilliant experiences for people in the community.”

Over the weekend festival goers will be able to sample more than 100 beers available on keg, cask, bottle and can from local brewers.

Drinkers will also get the chance to vote for the coveted Bury’s “Beer of the Year” award and food will be provided by The Met’s own restaurant, Automatic, from the upstairs bar.

Bury Times: Bury Beer Festival Bury Beer Festival (Image: Harriet Heywood)

For more information or tickets to the event see here

Let us know your favourites and tag us in any photos from the festival on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Heywoodharriet_ or email Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk.