A RECORD 5,000 people are expected to converge on Worcester Racecourse next month for this year's CAMRA Real Ale and Cider Festival.

It will be the fifth year the event has run and there will be more than 170 real ales and 65 ciders and perrys from across the country for people to try.

This year's festival will be focusing on northern beers from around the Pennines up to the Scottish borders.

There will also be beer on offer from several local brewers including Cannon Royal from Ombersley, St George's of Callow End, Knightwick's Teme Valley, Brandy Cask from Pershore and Malvern Hills of Great Malvern.

Entertainment will include live music from bands from Burton-on-Trent and Cardiff as well as a performance by the Worcester Concert Brass Band on Saturday afternoon. Food will also be on sale.

Last year 4,200 people attended and this year festival organisers are hoping to attract 5,000.

"It's just a great day out, hopefully in the sun, and a celebration of all of the best beers and ciders in England, with great food and entertainment," said festival organiser Peter Bottomley.

The event runs from 7pm to 11pm on Thursday, August 14 and 11am to 11pm on Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16.

Entry is £3 per day and £5 after 5.30pm on Friday and theprice includes a souvenir glass.

More information is available on the website: www.worcesterbeerfest.org.uk

n Plenty of beers on offer to toast this year's CAMRA Real Ale and Cider Festival.