IT’S all hail to the ale as the Dunfermline Beer Festival returns for another year.

It’s the 14th consecutive year of what has become one of the biggest events in the town’s calendar, and one that raises thousands of pounds for good causes.

One of the big changes for this year is a slight tweak to the date but, unlike the Germans who start their famous Oktoberfest in Munich in September due to the better weather, that wasn’t the main factor in West Fife.

After “careful consideration”, Dunfermline’s beer fest will take place a week earlier than normal, on September 28 and 29, rather than the first weekend in October.

Dominic Collings, of Dunfermline Roundtable, explained: “The one area where we’ve struggled is the date. There are school holidays in October which has left us struggling for staff to man the bar on occasion, as well as revellers being away on that weekend.

“On the odd year the event has clashed with a major football match, which has resulted in lower numbers than expected, and then there’s the fact that later on in the year, the worse the weather tends to be.

"We’ve also faced charity competition from ‘Go Sober for October’ which obviously didn’t fit in with our usual dates.”

For the 14th consecutive year, preparations are nearly complete for this year’s charity beer festival, which is organised by Dunfermline Roundtable and Dunfermline Rugby Club.

It’s also supported by the Dunfermline Press, who are media sponsors.

Dominic said: “Last year was a bumper year for the beer festival, where we raised a record amount of money.

"Roundtable alone was able to take our share from the weekend and donate it to 10 charities and good causes at our Dragons Den giveaway in March; totalling over £10,000.”

The 2017 festival was a big success, reversing a steady decline in both the numbers going to the festival and amount of money raised.

Dominic added: “Takings were down and I think the event needed a revamp. Beer is great but we really wanted to make the beer festival a night out for everyone.

"From live music lovers, couples, groups, works night out, stag and hen do’s, there’s something for everyone.

“Several years ago we added wine and ciders to the festival, which meant even if you didn’t like beer, there was bound to be something there to tickle your taste-buds.

“Last year we introduced a gin bar, which attracted a whole different audience. The event has generally been a gradual evolution with a beer festival committee working very hard behind the scenes for months in advance.”

The festival is open on Friday from 5pm till 1am, Saturday from noon to 4pm and 7pm till 1am. The tickets are available from Ticketweb, Grill 48, Little Shop of Heroes and Dunfermline Rugby Club; priced £8.

There's a competition to win tickets in last Thursday's Press. There's still time to pick up a copy and enter.