THOUSANDS of people are expected to visit a city beer festival today – and revellers didn't let the rain stop them yesterday.

Worcester Beer, Cider and Perry Festival is showcasing the best of regional and national ales as well as fruit ciders, gin and perry.

A marquee is keeping an estimated 9,000 drinkers protected from the elements, and they are spoilt for choice with over two hundred real ales to choose from.

Bill Ottaway, spokesman for the festival, said: “There was a time when the real ale industry was dying so the Campaign for Real Ale aims to introduce new people to this type of drink.

“At a festival like this – and I know people can drink local ales anytime – they get to try ones from Scotland that are harder to get hold of.

“The opening day on Thursday was expectedly quiet as many people are still at work but many still did turn out and really enjoyed themselves.”

The event is run entirely by volunteers.

The festival started on Thursday, August 8 and will end on Saturday, August 10.

Tickets are still available online and also from the box office of Worcester Live at Huntingdon Hall, in person or by phone 01905 611427 Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm.

Two Worcester residents won a competition to win drinks and tickets to the festival. Paul Cotterill won cider and tickets and Edward Turner claimed bottles from the Pershore Brewery and tickets.

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