BEER lovers will be able to enjoy a pint or two and support good causes at Copmanthorpe’s annual beer festival, which takes place in a church in the village.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, Coptoberfest will be held in St Giles’ Church on Friday and Saturday and organisers are sure it will be the best one yet.

More than 30 beers will be on offer, as well as gin, cider, wine and Prosecco, and there will be live music to entertain the crowds.

The brainchild of Andy Herrington, of Ainsty Ales, and Reverend Geoff Mumford, the festival raises funds for St Giles’ Church, St Leonard’s Hospice and local community groups and charities in Copmanthorpe and the immediate area.

Over the years, £15,000 has been donated to groups and charities.

Andy said: “It’s a fantastic festival which continues to go from strength to strength.

“It’s become a real go-to event for the village of Copmanthorpe, which shows how welcoming St Giles Church can be and the fact the money goes straight back into the local community just adds to the pleasure we get from what is a very busy weekend.”

The festival was launched as Andy and Geoff, who serves the parishes of Copmanthorpe, Acaster Malbis and Appleton Roebuck, wanted to stage a fun, community event. As lovers of real ale, a beer festival was the obvious choice.

Geoff said: “The festival benefits the community and local businesses all in the wonderful surroundings of St Giles’ Church. This is actually nothing new, in medieval times, Church Ale was a way of raising funds for the upkeep of church buildings.

"We’re just delighted it’s proved so popular and is so well supported.”

The festival will feature several live music acts, including ‘Undercovered’ and ‘Flat Cap Carnival’, as well as an illusionist. Coptoberfest runs from noon to 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Entry costs £5, which includes a pint glass and half a pint of beer or cider.