A FORMER business consultant who launched a microbrewery three years ago has secured a deal to provide ale for music festival headlined by Bob Marley’s band.

Northallerton-based Walls County Town Brewery owner David Wall said he had agreed to support the fifth Willowman Festival, which will be held at Hillside Rural Activities Park, Knayton, near Thirsk, from July 19 to 22, as it had proved to be a great visitor attraction for the area.

The brewery will provide some bespoke ales, including Willow Wobbly and Willow Wipe Out for the event, which features The Wailers ahead of their Glastonbury Festival show and The Blockheads.

Mr Wall said: “The Willowman Arms pub at the event is like a beer festival in its own right with ten real ales on at any time which change over the course of the four days. “

He has also arranged to supply several other real ales from other local micro-breweries, including a one-off brew called Swords Of A 1,000 Men, to mark Tenpole Tudor’s appearance at the festival.

Festival organiser Steve Williams, of Brompton, said: “The Willowman Festival is now in its fifth year and prides itself in providing a top quality eclectic mix of music along with family attractions, children’s activities and of course the best real ale in Yorkshire.”

For tickets, costing £65 for adults and free for under-12s, visit willowmanfestival.co.uk