Thousands of people are expected to raise a glass during the city's upcoming beer festival.

The Worcester Beer, Cider and Perry Festival begins on Thursday (August 8) and takes place across three days, with organisers making final preparations ahead of opening at Worcester Racecourse.

Festival organiser Ben Smith said: "We're ready to go.

"The whole beer set up was completed yesterday (August 6), and our range of ciders, perries, wines, and food concessions will be in place today ahead of Thursday.

"We believe that there will be approximately 4,000 people attending over the three days, and there are still tickets available.

"There could be limited walk-up tickets to access each day too."

People planning on buying tickets on the door should call ahead to find out if there are any available before travelling to the racecourse.

More varieties of beer will be on offer compared to the festival's previous events with 88 beers available from 34 breweries alongside 71 ciders, 17 fruit and grape wines, and eight perries.

Mr Smith said: "There are increased numbers of beers and we have reserves that we can draw upon this year if we deem they're necessary.

"We have established local contacts to provide those."

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All three floors of the grandstand at Worcester Racecourse will host the festival's full range of drinks.

People can also enjoy a tipple on the outside concourse area that will feature a music marquee with live performances taking place Thursday and Friday evening and from 3pm on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking in July, festival committee member, Bill Ottaway, said: 

"Over the years we've created an experience that people want to go back to.

"The drink offerings provided are those that they wouldn't get a chance to try at other times, and the festival has very much become an event in the social calendar."

"It's an opportunity for people who live all over the country to meet back up together."

A day ticket for the festival includes two half pint drinks vouchers and a unique festival glass to take home for each entrant.

A full list of beers, ciders, perries, and wines available are listed on the festival's official website.