AS IS TRADITION in springtime, Swindonians will flock to the Old Town Beer Festival to try a variety of beers and ciders. Christ Church is hosting the annual event on Friday and Saturday which is espected to be packed with sponsors.

Organiser Chris Smith 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.

“We haven’t forgotten food and are pleased to be offering pies, burgers, hot dogs and pizza to tempt your palate all provided by some fantastic and very familiar Old Town names.”

It won’t just be festival goers who benefit from the event. Christ Church Community Centre has decided to support Christian Aid and Threshold Housing through money raised from ticket sales. Attendees will be treated to a selection of 40 beers and 30 ciders, leftovers of which will be available at the Beer and Hymns service on Sunday evening at 6.00pm.

Tickets for the festival are available from The Hop Inn and Magnum wine shop in Old Town, or online from the Old Town Beer Festival website. The entry fee for some of the sessions includes a festival glass a brochure and a free drink.

Chris Smith said: “We would also like to thank our many helpers and at the same time ask that if you wish to join us and help at the festival, please contact me by email.”

To support the festival, send an email to: chris.smith@ccccswindon.co.uk