ALES containing lavender and others containing honey are some of this year's rather more unusual choices at Worcester Beer Festival, as organisers revealed the vast array of drinks on offer.

A total of about 8,000 people are expected to converge on Pitchcroft for the four-day event, from Thursday, August 17 to Saturday, August 19.

Organisers have this week unveiled a revised list of the drinks on offer, with more than 250 real ales, 100 ciders and perries and fruit and grape wines available.

Worcestershire and Herefordshire is well-represented with a wide range of drinks coming from breweries based in the two counties, including newcomers Blue Bear, which is based in Kempsey and started up earlier this year.

Run by husband and wife team Linda and Jason Glasse, the brewery will be bringing along its two ales - Wanderlust and Roar Spirit.

Malvern Hills Brewery, traditionally one of the event's most popular brewers, will be bringing their new beer Feelgood - a 3.8 per cent 'golden session ale with a hoppy aroma', while breweries in Pershore, Callow End and Knightwick - among others - will also be represented.

For the more adventurous drinkers, Yorkshire brewers Suddabys will be returning with their lavender beer which proved one of the most popular ales last year, while Cornish brewers Skinner's Heligan Honey, containing honey from bees from the Lost Gardens of Heligan, will appeal to those with a sweet tooth.

Orkney Brewery's Skullsplitter, an 8.5 per cent ale with an intense velvet nose and hint of nutmeg and apple spice, is one of the strongest on offer.

Andy Wood, a member of the festival's organising committee, said they had decided to break from the tradition of having a theme this year to simply offer a wide selection of tipples.

He said: "It's a great selection this year.

"What we've tried to do is slightly reduce the amount we have on offer - although we've still got more than 250 - but increase the amount we have of each as in the past we've tended to run out by the Saturday."

This year's festival will feature a stronger focus on music, with the Saturday given over to a showcase event for local acts to perform from 11.30am.

Bands will also be playing from 8pm each evening.

Entry to the festival is £4 on the day, except after 5.30pm on Friday when it is £6, and admission prices include a souvenir glass and programme.

Tickets can also be bought in advance from Huntingdon Hall's box office on 01905 611427.

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