Manchester’s only city-wide beer festival returns this summer, providing an unrivalled celebration of the nation’s favourite drink across 10 event-filled days.

Now entering its second year, Manchester Beer Week runs from Friday, June 23 to Sunday, July 2, and has secured the backing of the Co-op, which has agreed to become headline sponsor. Co-op will also play a role in creation of the festival’s official beer, which will then be made available in selected stores.

Manchester Beer Week’s first outing was a huge success, showcasing the best of beer through 94 events at 72 venues across Greater Manchester, including pubs, bars, breweries, restaurants and retailers.

And this year’s festival promises to be even better. The opening weekend will shine a light on independent producers with a brewery expo that will see many of the city centre brewers throw open their doors to the public for tours, tastings and talks.

Following on from this, Manchester Beer Week organisers will help to curate a series of unique events, designed to provide interesting beer-related experiences for experts and newcomers alike.

“We were overwhelmed by the support the festival received in its first year, both from participants and attendees, and we believe it was a celebration this great city can be proud of,” said festival organiser Connor Murphy.

“This year, we wanted to give even more exposure to the city’s breweries, which is why a brewery expo is being organised for the opening weekend. This should create a carnival atmosphere across Manchester’s brewing hubs – in Piccadilly and the Green Quarter. But that should not detract from what is happening in bars, pubs and restaurants as we’re planning a series of really special events.

“We’re also delighted to have Co-op on board as main sponsors because few businesses have had quite such an impact in Manchester. It’s an organisation with community very much at its core.”

Richard Dennett, Senior Buyer for beer and cider at Co-op said: “We are absolutely delighted to be headline sponsor of Manchester Beer Week. As a leading community retailer, Co-op has pioneered regional ranging in convenience and this is another example of our continued support.

“2016 was a big year for Co-op as we invested in building our local sourcing strategy for beer. In 2017 we have launched three fantastic own label beers brewed by local brewer Robinsons, using Members to help influence the tasting descriptions on the beer labels and shelf edge labels. We have also further enhanced our craft offer, launching a range of great new craft beers and ciders which are now in-store.

“There are so many great producers in Manchester and we are proud to support an event which showcases them all and celebrates the great beer of the city.”

More information on the festival can be found at www.mcrbeerweek.co.uk or by following @mcrbeerweek on Twitter.