THE 13th Wirral Beer Festival is now just a few weeks away and its organisers are relishing a return to normality as the threat of Covid-19 continues to dissipate.

Having made successful appearances at food and drink festivals across the region, Liverpool city centre pub, The Ship and Mitre, launched its own beer festival on the peninsula in 2014.

Now a bi-annual event, the festival takes place at Hulme Hall, Port Sunlight, during November and over Easter with the next event running from Thursday, March 24 until Sunday, March 27.

“Our last festival in November still felt like we had the sword of Damocles hanging over us,” said organiser Ben Garner. “So this upcoming festival feels much more normal.

“Back then we didn’t know who was going to test positive or who had been jabbed and we were having real issues with staffing and even getting the beers delivered so I’m hoping this festival is a case of ‘lucky 13’ for everyone.”

This year’s event will offer festival-goers more than 200 beers, including 80 real ales and 80 craft beers, as well as Continental lagers, ciders and a gin bar. Beers from Ship and Mitre’s Flagship brewery will also be on offer as well as beers from other local breweries.

“We’re sticking with what we know,” said Ben. “It’s a tried and tested formula and it’s what people want.

“I think with everything that’s been going on we all want a bit of normality.”

Entertainment will be available across all sessions, except during Friday afternoon which organisers keep as a quiet session.

Food will be available from a selection of local stallholders and hot food will be available from Hulme Hall itself.

“From experience it’s definitely craft beer that people want at the moment,” added Ben. “Everyone loves a 5.5 per cent New England IPA!”

Tickets for the 13th Wirral Beer Festival are on sale from Eventbrite or in person from the Ship and Mitre, 133 Dale Street, Liverpool.