THE first week in July promises to be the biggest of the year for Bishop's Castle.

It will see three major events culminating in the annual Beer Festival and Ale Trail.

There are a number of warm-up events in the days before the Beer Festival takes place on Friday and Saturday, July 7 and 8.

The festival is based around the town’s two real ale breweries and its six pubs. Drinkers will get the chance to sample some of the best brews from south Shropshire and the Marches.

It is not just beers that will be showcased but also a range of ciders from the area. There will be entertainment and music throughout the town on both the Friday and Saturday.

The week begins on Saturday, July 1 with a triathlon with a difference. As is usually the case, the event which starts from SpArC in the town, involves swimming, cycling and running. But the difference is that the cycling section will be undertaken on tandem cycles.

On Sunday, July 2 there will be the traditional annual Bishop's Castle Carnival.

As well as the crowning of the Queen there will be a parade of steam engines, vintage cars and floats around the town. There will be games and entertainment on the town playing fields.