Raise your glass and say cheers to Beer Day Britain as the nation comes together to celebrate brewers, beers and pubs.

Tomorrow, Friday, June 15, beer lovers up and down the country will celebrate on the day that was inspired by the year when the Magna Carta was signed in 1215, in which ale is mentioned in article 35.

It reads: "Let there be throughout our kingdom a single measure for wine and a single measure for ale and a single measure for corn, namely 'London quarter'."

This is the fourth year of the beer day celebration, and at Burton-based Marston's brewery ale fans can get an inside look at the venue's ages old brewing process.

Organisers at the Shobnall Road brewery have invited fans of its ales to join them for an evening of brewery tours and beer tasting classes with the team.

Head brewer at Marston's, Patrick McGinty
Head brewer at Marston's, Patrick McGinty

Those wanting to go have to book a place and the tours will take place be between 6pm and 10pm on Friday.

Patrick McGinty, head brewer at Marston's, said: "In honour of Britain's national drink we'll be hosting an evening of brewery tours, tutoring beer tastings with our brewing team and championing beers from in and around Burton."

The intention of the national day is to encourage more people to try beer and to raise the profile of it.

Those going along to the Marston's event will take part in a nationwide "cheers to beer" at exactly 7pm when people in pubs up and down the country are invited to raise a glass of real ale.

A pint of Marston's Pedigree
A pint of Marston's Pedigree

Organiser of Beer Day Britain, Jane Peyton said: "We have so much to be proud of with Britain's vibrant brewing scene and the fact that our pubs are a cornerstone of the social health of the nation.

"Without beer, pubs would be wine bars. Now we have an official day to celebrate beer in Britain so please join us and make Beer Day Britain the best beer fiesta in the world."

A hashtag has been set up for anybody taking part in the celebrations and particularly the "cheers to beer", which drinkers can use to share their pictures from the evening, on #CheerstoBeers

Anybody interested in attending the Marston's celebrations should get in touch through the brewery's dedicated Facebook page online at https://www.facebook.com/events/1292420027527447/

Burton's brewing heritage

Burton has a unique and long history connected with brewing, but where exactly did that all start?

Beer has been produced in the town since the 11th century, when monks first started brewing under the guidance of Wulfric Spot, the Earl of Mercia, the founder of Burton Abbey.

The town thrived on trade with Russia during the 18th century, with Russian Empress, Catherine the Great, reportedly 'immoderately fond' of Burton-brewed ale.

When railways were introduced across the country, in 1839, Burton brewers received a big increase in trade as they could compete with breweries across the country.

It is thanks to the quality of the water in the town that helped the beer community prosper, with the surrounding hills of the town containing minerals that help the brewing process, meaning the beer can be preserved for longer, and can be sent around the world.

Even to today, breweries remain an important part of Burton industry as ever, with brewing giants like Molson Coors and Marston's still in operation, as well as Burton Bridge and Black Hole Brewery.

Marston's brewery housed on Shobnall Road in Burton
Marston's brewery housed on Shobnall Road in Burton

Marston's famous beers brewed right here in Burton

Ten different beers are brewed in the Burton brewery. They are Old Empire IPA, EPA, Saddle Tank, Pearl Jet stout, Idle Dole amber ale, Power of three pale ale, Bloody Doors Off blood orange pale ale, Christmas Everyday session IPA, Pedigree amber ale and the now internationally acclaimed 61 Deep pale ale.

Pedigree

Pedigree, which is 4.5 per cent ABV, has been credited as having a biscuity, malty, spicy hop taste, which is perfect to be drunk while eating darker meats, pork pies, sausage and mash, steak pie and Sunday roasts.

EPA

Meaning English pale ale, EPA is a crisp, refreshing and hoppy beverage which is around 3.6 per cent ABV. Marston's recommends EPA be consumed when eating dishes like roasted lemon chicken, risotto or smoked salmon.

Saddle Tank

This curiously named beer is one of Marston's oldest and comes with a malty, biscuit taste. It was named after the train that used to bring the hops and malts into the brewery.

It has an ABV percentage of 3.8, and matches well with hard cheese, fish and chips and gammon.

Pearl Jet

A firm nod to classic English stouts, with a taste of chocolate, coffee and sweet treacle flavours. With an alcohol percentage of 4.1 per cent, it is recommended to be drunk while eating shellfish, game meat or rich fruitcake.

Old Empire

Old Empire is a perfect easy-drinking IPA, and an authentic recreation of the beer that was drunk throughout the empire. It combines goldings, fuggles and American cascade hops to deliver a crisp, citrus aroma with a balanced bittersweet finish.

It has an alcohol percentage of 5.7 per cent and matches food like tandoori curries, garlic chicken and mature cheddar-based dishes.