FLAGONS of ales will be quaffed at the return of the popular annual Malmesbury Beer Festival.

The event is a favourite among residents and will see pints downed for a good cause once again in two weeks.

This year a total of 20 ales, plus several ciders, are being offered to give drinkers an exciting selection for the weekend.

The festival has been running for five years and will, once again, be organised by Malmesbury Town Councillor Ray Sanderson, who launched the first festival while he was mayor.

The event is not only about raising a glass and enjoying a drink with good friends, but about supporting local community causes.

Each year the festival donates a share of its profits between three schools in Malmesbury: Malmesbury School, Malmesbury Church of England Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School.

Speaking about why the festival continues to put education at the top of its priority list, Cllr Sanderson said: “We have three fantastic schools in Malmesbury and times are hard for them.

“There are things the school needs that the PTA can’t provide.

“The money we give to headmasters can be spent on whatever they want, it’s not ring-fenced.

“If someone wants play equipment or whatever, that money is there.”

This year the festival will also put some money towards the Friends of Lullus group, of which Cllr Sanderson is the chairman.

The group works to strengthen cultural relations between Malmesbury and Bad Hersfeld, the Germany town founded by Saint Lullus, a monk at Malmesbury Abbey during the seventh century.

The money raised for the group from the beer festival will go towards paying for trips for youngsters to visit the town.

“We want to encourage youth development and sports and cultural exchanges to Bad Hersfeld,” said Cllr Sanderson.

“So teams can apply for some funding from us.”

The beer festival are still seeking sponsors for barrels at the event.

Any person or business who wants to sponsor a barrel for £100, should contact Cllr Sanderson by calling 07710 082085.

The festival runs from 6-11pm on Friday, April 7, and from noon-11pm the next day.

There will be live music and food, as well as soft drinks and wine for those who can’t be tempted by the array of beers on offer.

Admission is £5, which includes a beer glass and a programme. Tickets can be bought from the Whole Hog, Horse Guards and Rose & Crown pubs.