BEER fans and businesses are being urged to plan ahead for an eagerly-awaited festival in September.

This week sees the start of the Guardian's token collect for readers to claim a free glass of beer or cider at the 22nd annual Northwich Beer Festival.

Organisers have also launched sponsorship opportunities for companies and organisations to get involved with the event.

Northwich Beer Festival is organised by the Rotary Club of Northwich and the Rotary Club of Northwich Vale Royal.

It takes place at Northwich Memorial Court in three sessions on Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19.

Rotarian Ian Barker said: "Sponsoring a barrel is an excellent opportunity to help raise funds for local good causes and promote your company or organisation's name.

"For £95 per barrel sponsors receive eight free tickets for their employees or families or friends and have their name on the barrel at the festival.

"Their company logo can also appear in the festival programme and in the website.

"All in all a pretty good deal."

The festival committee seeks sponsorship to help cover the costs of the event, which has already received funds from CRS Consultants, in Dane Street.

The beer festival raises money for charity each year and this year's good causes include The Carers Centre, Alzheimers UK, Samaritans and Speakability.

There will be around 60 real ales as well as 15 ciders at the festival and to claim your free tipple simply start collecting the beer tokens that will be printed in the Guardian between now and the festival.

Token one is pre-printed on the coupon in this week's edition and the next three tokens need to be added to the coupon each week.

Festival sessions take place on the Friday from 5pm to 11pm, Saturday from noon to 2pm and Saturday from 7pm to 11pm.

Tickets are £7 for the Friday, £3 for Saturday lunchtime and £6 for Saturday evening.

They are available from Northwich tourist information office, Jack Gee Cycles and the Rotary clubs' town centre ticket desk, which will be next to the Pound Bakery on September 5 and 12.

Tickets are also available online at northwichbeerfestival.co.uk.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a barrel should ring Ian on 07969 785275.