Walsall beer festival back on after being moved to different venue

On Wednesday Walsall CAMRA made the shock announcement that this year's event had been axed citing 'reasons beyond our control'.

But now the festival, which was due to be hosted at MPV on Whittmere Street from today, has now been relocated to the Black Country Arms on High Street in the town centre.

It will begin at tomorrow at midday with the organisers stating it will be a smaller event however it will still feature more than 30 ales and over five ciders.

The festival, which is the 35th annual event, will also take place on Saturday and possibly Sunday.

More than 200 people declared their interest in going to the original event.

Walsall CAMRA chairman John Morgan said: "We are very grateful to the Black Country Arms who have been willing to help us.

"They have really gone out of their way and done their level best to help us get it on. They have been amazing."

Mr Morgan was not able to elaborate on the reasons for the move only to say it was down to 'unforeseen circumstances'.

There will also be an ale trail competition.

Mr Morgan explained: "Our ales are now going around most of the pubs in the Walsall area and it is case of trying to find where the beers are sold."

The contest will feature The Wheatsheaf, The Victoria and The Drunken Duck among other drinking spots.

For updates on the festival follow Walsall CAMRA on Facebook.

Among those grateful for the event being back will be John Green who told the social media page he was travelling from Malaysia just to attend the festival saying he was 'gutted' when it was initially announced it had been cancelled.