THE Old Town Beer Festival returns next month.

Once again, the event is being held at the iconic Christ Church on Friday May 11 and Saturday May 12.

Visitors can sample 40 different beers and 30 different ciders.

The first barrels will be rolled out from 6pm on Friday evening until 11pm, then from 12pm to 10pm on Saturday.

The Hop Inn and Los Gatos are sponsoring this year's festival.

Chris Smith, festival organiser said ‘This year will see our biggest festival to date and we look forward to welcoming many hundreds to the iconic listed church and grounds.

"Our generous sponsors help to ensure that festival goers have the best possible experience over the two days."

There will be plenty of food for guests to feast on while they enjoy a tipple or two.

Pies, burgers, hot dogs and pizza will be provided by fantastic and familiar Old Town eateries.

The Beer and Hymns service, the Old Town Beer Festival's traditional festival finale, will begin on Sunday a 6.30pm. The free bar opens at 6pm and all the leftover beer must be drunk by the end of the evening.

This year, it's not just festival-goers that will benefit from the event

The Christian Aid and Threshold Housing charities will be supported through ticket sales.

Tickets are now on sale from Magnums, Hop Inn, and oldtownbeerfestival.com

The Friday session costs £10 and includes a festival glass, brochure, and free drink.

The full 12pm to 10pm Saturday session costs £10 and includes the same extras.

The 6pm to 10pm session costs £5 and includes a festival glass and a brochure.

The festival organisers would like to thank everyone who's helped set this up. If you want to help at the festival, contact Chris Smith on chris.smith@ccccswindon.co.uk