THOUSANDS of fans of real ales, ciders and wines are expected to flock to a hockey and cricket club later this month for the return of a popular beer festival.

The three-day Witham event is set to be held for the eighth year at the end of August with 130 different drinks on offer to visitors.

The event, at Witham Hockey and Cricket Club in Maldon Road, has massively grown in popularity since it was first held back in 2011 and this year is expected to be no different - last year saw more than 2,000 punters enjoy all the festival has to offer.

The fun will get underway on Thursday, August 23 with the festival opening its doors at 3pm and closing for the day at 11pm.

Thursday will be the night to enjoy a quiet pint and a chat with family and friends with only background music and no live music taking place.

But if you’re looking for a more noticeable musical accompaniment to enjoy a cool drink to, then the Friday and Saturday night will be just as good.

On the Friday, the festival will open at noon and run until 11pm with party band 6 String Makeover returning by popular demand to wow the crowds.

The Saturday at the festival will also run from noon until 11pm with rock, pop and indie hits from several decades provided by cover band Sidekick.

Hot food will be provided by Nonna’s with fresh stone baked pizzas, burgers, sausages, fillet steak and chicken all on offer.

And, as if that wasn’t enough to entice you, there will be daily cricket matches.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the Witham Hockey and Cricket Club funds to maintain the pavilion and to continue to offer opportunities to the people of Witham.

Entry is just £4 and includes a souvenir polycarbonate festival glass for each customer.

Visit www.withambeerfestival.co.uk for more detail.