The doors were officially opened at Robin Park Leisure Centre on Thursday and there were 89 real ales, 66 craft and foreign beers, 26 ciders and 16 gins available
There are also two hot food stalls – one from the popular LekkerEatDutch and the other providing a range of choices, including pies, of course!
The festival continues today and includes entertainment at 8.30pm by R&B/pop and 1980s tribute band The DeeVines.
On Saturday, male vocalist Ryan James will perform at 1pm, followed by Pemberton Old Wigan Eight-Piece Brass Band at 4pm.
The event is raising money for Wigan and Leigh Hospice, from donations of cash and unspent beer tokens. Last year £1,890 was donated.
The beer festival is organised by Wigan CAMRA, a voluntary group campaigning for real ale and pubs, bars and breweries.
It will be open from noon to 11pm on Friday and 11.30am to 9pm on Saturday.
Entry costs £4, but will be free after 5pm on Saturday and for CAMRA members at other times.
Everybody is asked to pay £15 at the door, which includes £3 for glass hire, the entry fee as applicable and the balance of £12 or £8 as beer tokens to spend at the bars. Further tokens are available to purchase.
A free vintage shuttle bus is running between stand A at Wigan bus station, Wallgate for the two railway stations, and the festival site, provided by Wigan Transport Trust. Donations to the trust are welcome.
