A FESTIVAL for ale lovers is just around the corner.

The Harwich Ale Trail is returning to the town between Thursday, May 2 and Monday, May 6.

So far nine venues have have confirmed their participation in the 2019 event.

Each venue on the trail is no more than a minute’s walk from the next.

Many of the pubs and bars are planning live music, including hearty shanties to celebrate the town’s ties to the sea.

The venues include, Cafe on the Pier, Alma Inn, Pier Hotel, Globe Inn, Swan Inn, New Bell Inn, Hanover Inn, Crown Post, and Stingray.

But organisers are still waiting to hear back from a couple more venues.

Organisers are hoping to make the event a permanent spring fixture, to fill a gap between the other much-loved festivals in the town.

For more information about the festival, visit the Harwich Ale Trail Facebook page.