The famous First World War song, Pack Up Your Troubles, has inspired a special beer brewed to mark new fringe events at the North Wales International Music Festival.

The beer, Private Perks Pale Ale, will be launched at the festival taking place in St Asaph from September 12 to 21 where the song was originally written.

St Asaph was home to the Powell brothers - George, who penned the song's words, and Felix who composed the music.

Both were integral parts of the city's cathedral community, where the main festival is held.

Felix, as an organist, left a lasting mark by etching his name on the back of a cathedral's stall.

The new fringe events were an idea by the festival’s new artistic director, royal composer Paul Mealor.

His vision is to create a stronger connection with the local community.

Getting involved are Mark and Elaine Morris, and their daughter, Elizabeth, who run the award-winning New Inn pub on Lower Denbigh Road, by organising three of the fringe nights.

Mr Morris, unveiling the new brew crafted in collaboration with J.W. Lees brewery, said: "Staging the fringe events in the city is a brilliant idea and we thought brewing a special festival ale was the perfect way to mark the occasion.

"The fact that the North Wales International Music Festival is reaching out to the local community means it’s going to be reaching the parts that some other festivals don’t reach."

The festival, extending beyond the cathedral, anticipates a buzz in the city with more local participation.

Mr Morris also said: "Hopefully, it’ll get more local people in St Asaph involved, especially the younger ones and I’m sure it’s going to create a lovely buzz in the city."

Owners of the New Inn Mark and Elaine Morris will be pouring a specially crafted beer, Private Perks Pale Ale.  Brewed in honour of a character from the famous World War song, Pack Up Your Troubles, which was written by the Powell brothers from St Asaph.  (Image: Rick Matthews)

He expects festivalgoers to flock to the fringe venues after the main concerts.

Fringe events will also include songwriting sessions and a literary evening featuring poet Grahame Davies.

At the festival, there will be a premier of a new work marking the 90th anniversary of the Gresford Colliery Disaster.

It will also feature the first Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition and concerts featuring world-class talents.

Mr Mealor said: "The fringe will help us create an exciting new dimension and I am grateful to everybody in the local community, not least the wonderful Morris family at the New Inn, who’ve embraced the idea with such enthusiasm.

“The new Private Perks Pale Ale is the perfect way to raise a toast to this new and exciting departure in the festival’s illustrious history.

"It all links back to the cathedral which is the main venue for the festival."

More information on the festival programme and the free festival fringe events can be viewed online at www.nwimf.com.