Rishton’s first ever beer festival has been held to raise money for charity.
Hundreds of people attended the two-day event at Rishton Conservative Club in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The festival raised more than £500 and a further £150 was collected by members of Burnley Miners Working Men’s Club who attended on the day along with respresentatives of the Guide Dogs charity.
Dave Lees, secretary at the Conservative Club, said it was a ‘huge success’ and plans are already under way to hold the festival again next year.
He said: “It was a good all-round event and what was particularly pleasing was there was all different ages there.
“It brought everyone together and they all enjoyed themselves. It’s something we are looking to do again and maybe do it once a year.
“We have raised almost £700 so far towards our target of £2,500 which is fantastic.”
The festival – dubbed ‘Close Encounters of the Thirst Kind’ – included 15 different beers and three ciders from across the country.
Dave said the club wants to reach the £2,500 target so they can then be allowed to name a guide dog.
He said: “The choice of the dog’s name has already been decided. We want to call the dog ‘Rishton’ and we hope to get the community behind us to help with our fundraising efforts.”
Future events planned include a sponsored walk, music evenings and a regular quiz night.
