Cheltenham and Gloucester Beer Week, organised by Leigh Norwood, will return with a host of events, beer trails and special offers, from Friday, September 14, to Sunday, September 23.

Expect meet the brewer evenings, food and beer matching, tutored tastings, themed beer quizzes, tap takeovers and talks from some of the best known writers and brewers in the UK.

Cheltenham Gloucester Beer WeekLeigh, of the Favourite Beers beer shop, in Cheltenham, said: “This year, Gloucestershire’s very own National Star College will be involved with Beer Week, not just as a financial beneficiary, but as an active participant.

“National Star is an independent specialist further education college near Cheltenham, for people with physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries and associated learning difficulties. They provide personalised, world-class learning and training.”

Students from the National Star will hopefully attend the brew days for brewing the two Beer Week collaboration beers, and assist in the design of the beer can labels. The brewers will donate profits from sales of the collaboration beers to the college, with Beer Week venues also raising money to benefit the college.

Leigh said: “Chefs from the college intend to hold events at some venues, hopefully with students helping out. We think that this is a great way for students to be more involved in the community and boost awareness of the work which National Star undertakes.”

Between July 31 and August 2, Deya Brewing Co, in Cheltenham, will host Gloucester, Hillside, Prescott and Velvet Owl brewers to brew two special beers, with support from Favourite Beers. The first beer is likely to be a triple IPA of around 10% ABV, while the second will probably be an export stout of around 7.5% ABV. Both beers will be available in can and keg formats.

The main focus of this year’s Beer Week will be on the ale trails that were so popular with beer drinkers last year. A fold-out map, listing all the trails and venues and detailing all of the events that one can attend over the week, is being produced.

Beer Week is a showcase for local brewers, and award-winning pubs, clubs and venues. It’s a chance for people to learn more about beer, meet the people who make it, try new things, discover new flavours, and have fun. Beer Week is a celebration of beer in all of its forms, styles and flavours.

The final list of trails and events will be in place by August, but progress reports on venues, events and beer trails can be found at www.cgbw.beer