The Braintree Real Ale Festival is returning to Braintree for its 10th year, with a variety of local beers on offer. One of the beer festival’s aims is to promote Essex breweries and the theme of this year’s festival will therefore be “The only way is Essex beer” in tribute to the fact that there are now 30 breweries in Essex.

Beer at the event, which is organised by the Braintree Lions Club, is available from companies such as Billericay Brewing Company, Bishop Nick Brewery, Dominion Brewery Company, George’s Brewery, Shalford and Wibblers.

There is also a selection of wines, perries and ciders and hot food will be served throughout the event.

Entrance is £2 and you must also buy a glass for £2, although this will be refunded if the glass is returned.

The primary charity for the 2014 Festival will be Bliss, which works to provide care and support for all premature and sick babies and their families, and other local charities will also be supported.

The festival, held in The Bocking Arts Theatre, Bocking End, is open on June 12 from 4.30pm until 11pm, on June 13 from 12 noon until 11pm with free entry before 4pm, and on June 14 from 11am until 10pm.