Raising a glass to Leeds beer battle

The Tykes will take on the Taffies as they raise a glass at the return of the fifth annual North Leeds Charity Beer Festival this weekend.

A selection of 18 cask ales from Wales will be pitted against 18 local Leeds favourites at the annual event which is organised by the Rotary Club of Roundhay.

And all proceeds from the festival at North Leeds Cricket Club will go to local charities.

More than £15,000 has been raised for charity since the first beer festival was held in 2012..

And last year’s celebrations proved to be a record breaker raising over £5,500.

But organisers of the event are hoping to raise even more cash.

David Hawkin, Rotary Club publicity and communications officer, said: “We always have themes and we always try to do something a bit different.

“Last year it was Leeds against London, we have also had a Scottish theme and a Tour de France theme.

“We tend to keep to Leeds beers but we don’t tend to get many beers from further a field.

“We are hoping a lot of people will come and join us.”

Live local music will be played throughout the event, which was officially opened yesterday.

The festival will start from noon until 11pm today.

Tomorrow’s festival will start at noon until 6pm.

Sunday is a designated family day where children are welcomed to come and join in the fun.

A festival pack costs £5 and includes a commemorative beer glass, programme and two drinks tokens

For more details visit www.northleedscharitybeerfestival.co.uk.