The 11th Swindon & Cricklade Railway Real Ale and Cider Festival returns to Blunsdon Station for its eleventh year today.

The family-friendly festival will run over the bank holiday weekend from 11am to 11pm on Saturday and Sunday and from 11am to 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday. with ales and ciders from all over England, snacks, soft drinks, tea and coffee.

As well as enjoying a range of different ales and ciders from all over England, visitors can hop onto the heritage steam trains for a ride along the railway from the station, which is Wiltshire's only standard gauge heritage railway.

Tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks are also available for those who want to stay sober.

Trains will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm on all three days.

The event is sponsored by the Three Castles Brewery in association with CAMRA.

Live entertainment on the Saturday and Sunday will be provided by Onyx from 3pm to 5pm and Retro from 5.30pm to 8pm.

Designated drivers can buy 'carry-outs' of ales and ciders to take home.

A spokesperson for the Swindon & Cricklade Railway said: "It's a good family affair with something for everyone, a great way to experience the railway first hand and have the opportunity to taste different ales and ciders in a unique setting."

For more information, call 01793 771615, email scr@gmx.co.uk or visit www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org