OLD Town Beer and Cider Festival will return next weekend and hundreds are expected to raise a glass or two of their favourite brew.

It is the fourth year the event has been organised at Christ Church and thirsty revellers will be able to enjoy a variety of ale and cider on tap, including a green beer, a black cider and an ale made especially for the event by Three Castles brewery, based in Pewsey.

The ale has been named Stevenette’s Sprint after the church’s vicar, Simon Stevenette. The avid Swindon Town fan recently took part in a scheme run by the club called football fans in training and he shed three stone as a result, so the church are taking this opportunity to honour him.

In keeping with the local theme, the event will be officially opened at 12 by whom many Swindon Town fans would call ‘Sir Don Rogers.’

Organiser Chris Smith said: “We are delighted that Don Rogers has agreed to open our fantastic community event.”

The festival will take place on Saturday, May 14 between 12 midday and 10pm, with 650 people expected to attend.

The original allocation of tickets sold out within a week due to its popularity and thanks to the support of Magnum wine shop in Wood Street.

Chris added: “Magnums didn’t even have time to put up the poster due to the extra demand that the ticket selling had on them. But don’t worry, there are still a further 50 available on the day from 9am at the church.

“Tickets cost £10 each and include a souvenir tulip style glass as well as £3 worth of drinks tokens to get you started. Tickets will be limited to two tickets per person and will sell quickly so arrive to queue with plenty of time.”

This year the festival has been lucky to obtain sponsorship from a number of local businesses and the main event is sponsored jointly by the Hop Inn and Los Gatos.

The charity they have chosen to support this year is SANDS, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society, which supports people affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.

Food will again be provided by butchers Wilsons. They will be serving their handmade pies until around 4pm and then they will then be selling burgers and hot dogs until around 8pm. To supplement this the Friends of Christ Church will be serving pizzas too.

Rays Ice Cream shop is making a special beer flavoured ice cream for the day and Glamorose Cakes will be on hand selling their tiffins.

On the Sunday there will also be a special beer and hymns service which is open to all. The free bar opens at 4.30pm with the service taking place between 5-6pm.