Six Macclesfield pubs are taking part in UK's longest-running and largest mild ale promotion.

The Mild Magic ale trail returns for its 32nd year from Friday, April 10.

Running until Sunday, May 17, a total of 102 pub are taking part, each stocking at least one cask mild ale for the five-week duration of the event.

That includes half a dozen here in Macclesfield, with the ale trail having been extended to include Silk Town in 2024.

Organiser Glenn Males, from the Campaign for Real Ale, said: "I am very grateful to our sponsors and all the breweries, pubs and clubs who have come together to help us highlight this heritage beer style.

"From light-coloured low-strength milds to stronger dark ruby-coloured ones, there will be something to tickle everyone's taste-buds. This year, many local breweries are producing special brews for the event, so now's the chance to try something new, as well as visit a venue you may have never visited before.

"A record 260 people enjoyed the trail experience last year and generated an estimated 5500 pub visits. Let's try and beat that number this year: as well as having a great time, you will be supporting local breweries and pubs in what are very difficult times for the industry".

Organised by volunteers from CAMRA, Mild Magic started life in April 1994 as the Stockport Mild Challenge.

advertisement

In April 1999 it became the Stockport and Manchester Mild Challenge.

It was later renamed Mild Magic, extending to Macclesfield in 2024.

You can win a trip round Bollington Brewery (Credit: Nub News)

This year, there will be an organised crawl around the participating pubs in Macclesfield on Friday, May 1.

Starts at the Castle on Church Street at 1pm, you will find mild beers produced by independent breweries from across the country.

The crawl finishes at the Bollington Brewery Taproom sometime after its 4pm opening.

Along the way, you will stop at the Park Tavern, the Fountain and RedWillow.

Meanwhile, Manchester-based brewery Blackjack, who run the bar at the Picturedrome, will be serving up a new special mild made in collaboration with Newbarns Brewery of Edinburgh.

advertisement

To take part in Mild Magic, participants have to visit one pub in 12 different areas, drinking at least half a pint of cask mild ale in each.

Four of these designated areas can be found in Macclesfield with a further two in neighbouring Poynton.  

All successful entrants will be included into a draw for trips round breweries in Macclesfield.

Two trips will be made round the Bollington Brewery in September.

In addition, one lucky draw winner will be able to organise a trip around the RedWillow brewery in Macclesfield for themselves and five friends on a date to be agreed with the brewery.

Full details of the trail, including rules, venues and a downloadable card for stickers can be found online here.