DAZED and Confused, and Comfortably Numb - two phrases that may well sum up the state of punters following Worcester's second beer festival when the taps open today.

They are also just two of nearly 150 real ales, ciders and perries housed under one roof for the four-day event on Pitchcroft racecourse.

Organisers have attracted brewers from all over the United Kingdom boasting a veritable compendium of quality beers from independent outlets.

You might be tempted to try Headcracker from Norfolk, which does exactly as it says on the label by weighing in at a heady 7.2 per cent proof.

A Warwickshire brewer from Church End will be offering punters a little taste of honey beer with his Pooh Bear.

And a Danish brewer from Stonehenge is bringing his Great Dane, one of the real lagers on offer.

Silver medal winner from this year's Champion Beer of Britain competition, Hogsback TEA, will also make an appearance.

But Andrew Cooke, chairman of the Worcester branch of festival organisers the Campaign for Real Ale, is tipping home-grown ales to take the coveted beer of the festival crown.

"The Malvern Hills Brewery's Black Pear has won awards around the country so it is always in with a chance," he said.

Mr Cooke also hoped Ombersley's Cannon Royall brewery could win with its Nimrod - specially brewed for the festival using German hops to give it a lager flavour.

"My own personal preference would be for one of the local beers to win. I'm a big fan of Brandy Snapper from Pershore."

The festival follows last year's event, which attracted more than 2,000 drinkers as part of the Three Choirs Fringe.

It will raise money for a number of city charities, including St Richard's Hospice.

FACTFILE

* The festival boasts 110 different beers and 20 ciders and perries.

* More than 50 breweries will be represented from all four countries of the UK.

* Organisers expect punters to drink more than 12,500 pints over the course of the festival.

* Sessions will be accompanied by live bands.

* The festival begins today, from 7pm to 11pm, costing £3 to enter.

* Friday has two sessions, from 11am to 3pm (£1) and 6pm to 11pm (£4.50).

* On Saturday, the festival runs from 11am until 11pm and costs £3 before 5.30pm and £4.50 afterwards.

* Sunday's session runs from 12pm to 3pm and costs £1.