Musicians are being invited to combine rhythm and booze this summer by playing in front of hundreds of real ale lovers at Worcester's beer and cider festival.

This year's festival has now been confirmed as running from Thursday, August 17, to Saturday, August 19, on the city's racecourse as part of the Worcester Festival.

Organisers the Campaign for Real Ale are expected to put on a similar number of tipples to last year's 250 real ales and 100 ciders, making it one of the biggest beer events in the country.

However, they are now on the lookout for bands wanting to play the event.

Festival band organiser Grahame McGrath said they were particularly interested in rock, blues and folk outfits coming forward.

Previously the event has staged bands on each of the nights and one or two on Saturday afternoon.

However, Mr McGrath said that this year they were keen to extend the Saturday afternoon music slot to seven bands playing for an hour each.

He added: "The idea is to give local musicians greater exposure in front of a larger audience. Saturday isn't necessarily the biggest day but there should be 2,000 people there on that day alone."

Interested bands can get more information by e-mailing the festival organisers at: bands@worcesterbeerfest.org.uk or Grahame at grahamem@tiscali.co.uk