BEER and cider are set to flow on Worcester Racecourse this summer at a four-day festival.

The local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale is running its third beer festival on Pitchcroft from Thursday, August 16, until Sunday, August 19, and will offer the chance to sample more than 120 real ales and ciders.

For the first time the venue will be a judging arena for the West Midlands Cider of the Year Competition, and the winner will go on to the national finals.

More than 2,500 people flocked to the Pitchcroft festival last year and Peter Bottomley, treasurer of Worcestershire branch of CAMRA and festival organiser, says he expects at least 3,000 people to visit the site this year.

"It will be an excellent money-spinning opportunity for businesses in Worcester like hotels and bed and breakfasts, especially if they have been hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis," said Mr Bottomley.

"It will also support local brewers. For the first time we'll be judging the cider competition which should attract even more visitors. The event is popular because people tell their friends what a good time they have had at our two previous festivals."

This year's event will celebrate three decades of campaigning for drinkers' rights.

"We're doing a lot for the Ask if its Cask campaign," said Mr Bottomley. "We want to bring everyone's attention to the quality of British ale and to highlight our achievements so far."

Live music

The event will be housed in a series of marquees, making use of the existing power and water facilities on the site.

Pitchcroft is within a few hundred yards of Foregate Street and Worcester Bus Station, with parking nearby for non-drinkers.

There will be an array of beers and ciders on offer - many from local breweries - live music from local bands, merchandise and food stalls catering for all tastes.