BEER lovers are gearing up for the return of Colchester’s popular summer beer festival.

The 34th Colchester Summer Real Ale and Cider Festival kicks off on Tuesday at Colchester Arts Centre, in Church Street.

Organised by Colchester Camra the event is set to draw hundreds of drinkers and will feature more than 100 different varieties of real ale.

Paul Duffield, who is the publicity officer for Colchester Camra, said: “It is our biggest event of the year.

“Last year, we had more than 1,000 people through the doors over the five days.

“There will be 100 plus beers from right across the UK as well as real cider, local wine and soft drinks.

“It is a celebration of real ale from around the country and a chance to try some craft drinks.

“There is something for everyone and there are some rarities which you would not normally be able to get in this area.”

If the weather is good, drinkers will also be able to enjoy the outdoor space surrounding the historic church, where the festival has now been held for 28 years.

Colchester Camra also hosts an annual winter ale festival at the arts centre.

Mr Duffield said: “We have people travel the length and breadth of the country to attend the summer festival.

“People have asked us why we don’t do it somewhere like Castle Park but the venue is what people love about the festival.

“It is a beautiful old church.

“This is the busiest time of the year for us and the venue works really well for the event.”

Live music and Morris dancers will provide entertainment for drinkers on Saturday June 1.

Food will also be on offer every day.

Admission to the beer festival, which opens from 12 noon, is free until 3pm from Tuesday to Saturday and £3 thereafter.

Camra members enter free at any time with a valid membership card.

Accompanied children are welcome every day until 6.30pm.

Visit beerfestivals.colchestercamra.org.uk for more information.