THERE’S just one week to go until a new-look beer festival launches.

The 2013 Hitchin Beer Festival starts next Thursday, making the move to the town’s rugby club in Old Hale Way.

Up to 80 real ales will be on offer, including many from local breweries such as Buntingford.

There were fears the event would have to be cancelled after its former venue, Hitchin Town Hall, was lost due to a redevelopment project.

But Hitchin Rugby Football Club (HRFC) came forward to host the North Herts CAMRA and Hitchin Round Table event, after an appeal was published in the Comet.

Brian Mason, who deals with beer festival publicity, said: “The future is with HRFC as a new partner for this and hopefully many years to come.

“All parties have been working extremely hard with the many facets of organising a beer festival. It is finally coming together.”

Drinks – which also include cider, perry and foreign beer – will be served in special glasses marked with third, half and pint measures.

Food will also be available, plus there will be a tombola and CAMRA products for sale.

The Comet-backed event runs from Thursday to Saturday, starting at 5pm on Thursday and midday on Friday and Saturday, running to 11pm on all three days.

To sponsor a barrel of beer for £50, email Simon Goodlad on simon@simongoodlad.com – every sponsor will have their name displayed near the barrel, along with a mention in the festival programme.

• To view a full beer list, click on the link in the top right-hand corner.