REAL ALE fans are preparing to roll out the barrels for Fleetwood's 20th beer festival!

More than 2,000 beer lovers are expected to pass through the turnstiles of this month's event -- dubbed "the best in the north west" by organisers.

Festival chairman Ray Jackson said more than 100 beers and ciders will be showcased at the festival at Fleetwood's Marine Hall, including the intriguingly named Bank Top Old Slapper, Blackpool Dishie Debbie and Orkney Skullsplitter beers.

Ray said: "The festival is very popular and we like to think it's the best in the north west. In previous years we have had problems like beers running out, but this year I think we've got it right."

Blackpool Brewery, which is supplying a special 2002 festival beer, are also marking the event by recreating Slippery Pole. This beer was first made for Ray's retirement from the fire service. "It's a very good drink too," he said.

To add to the festival atmosphere, York blues band Half Hand Hoodoo will entertain on Friday evening. Fylde Coast duo No Limits will star on Saturday afternoon while Clive the Clown keeps the children amused in the caf and family room.

The festival, organised by the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) will also be supporting the Lancashire Air Ambulance. Drinkers will be able to donate unused beer tokens which will be converted into cash for the charity. The event will also focus on beers from threatened Liverpool brewery Cain's.

"The Robert Cain Brewery, Liverpool's last remaining independent brewery, is up for sale together with its ten pubs," Ray explained.

"If a buyer cannot be found another piece of England's traditional brewing industry will be lost forever. CAMRA is a campaigning organisation and we hope people will want to join," he said. The 20th Fleetwood Beer Festival begins next Thursday (February 21) from 7pm-11pm. Sessions take place on Friday (February 22) at noon-4pm and 7pm-11pm, and on Saturday (February 23) at 12pm-5pm and 7pm-10.30pm. The caf and family room will serve hot food and soft drinks at all sessions.

Admission will cost £1 for afternoons, £1.50 for Thursday and Saturday evenings and £2.50 for Friday evening. Entrance is free to CAMRA members.