A new brew is to be launched at the Taste Cumbria beer festival in Cockermouth later this month.

The beer, which has yet to be named, is a collaboration between Jennings Brewery, which is based in the town, and Tractor Shed Brewing, of Workington.

The recipe is a closely-guarded secret but promises to combine the strengths of Cumbria’s oldest, largest brewery with one of Cumbria’s newest and smallest.

The ale will be for sale at the beer festival over the Taste Cumbria weekend from Friday to Sunday, September 22 to 24.

It will also be available to buy in cans from both Jennings’ and Tractor Shed’s brewery shops.

More than 2,000 pints and 30 ales, ciders and lagers will be on offer at the beer festival, which takes place at The Maltings at Jennings Brewery from 5pm to 10pm on the Friday, 11am to 10pm on the Saturday, and noon to 4pm on the Sunday.

Entry is free and tasting notes and commemorative glasses will be available. The festival also falls within national Cask Ale Week.

As part of the weekend, there is also a comedy night on the Friday, live music from local acoustic acts on the Saturday, and a Cask Ale Week pub quiz on the Sunday.

Graeme Mitchell, of Tractor Shed Brewing, said: “I’m looking forward to working with Jennings on this new Taste Cumbria beer. I know I will learn something from them and I hope they can learn something from us!

“Alongside it, we’ll be featuring a great range of Cumbrian beers, including lagers, ales and hopefully a few specials that people haven’t come across before as well as our own brews and a selection from Jennings too.”

Jeremy Pettman, head brewer at Jennings, added: “We’re always thinking of new recipes and new ingredients to add to our beers so it’s brilliant to be able to launch something really special over Taste Cumbria weekend.

“We love being a part of Taste Cumbria – it’s one of the best showcases for the county’s beers, and all the food to go with it.”

Alongside the beer festival, the Taste Cumbria weekend will include a big producers’ market, expert demonstrations and masterclasses, a Prosecco Picnic, Secret Gin Garden and pop-up restaurant.

Tickets are on sale now for the comedy night, Secret Gin Garden and masterclasses. For more information visit the website www.tastecumbria.com or call 01228 612000.

This year’s event is organised in association with Allerdale Borough Council and Cumbria Life .

Its main sponsors are Cockermouth Town Council and Jennings Brewery, and associate sponsors are Castlegate House Gallery, Cockermouth Kitchen Company, The Coffee Kitchen, The Forest Side, Mitchells Auction Company, Shill’s of Cockermouth, Shed 1 Gin, Tipsy Filly, the Trout Hotel and Wordsworth House & Garden.