REVEALED: The musicians set to play at Christmas version of Portsmouth Beer Festival

Emily Hardy, Ian Cox and Chris and Jen Stoneham at last year's Christmas Portsmouth Beer Festival Picture: Ian Hargreaves (151960-1)

The occasion comes back to Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday, December 16, and Saturday, December 17.

The Friday session, from 6pm to 11pm, will see Le Freak, Smiley Campbell Band, The Aim and Richard Morriss perform on stage to guests.

Saturday’s daytime drinking session – running from midday to 5pm – will see The Fliks, Strumdiddlyumptious, John Adams and Marley Blandford keep everyone in the mood.

Then the Saturday evening session, from 6pm to 11pm, will be rounded off in style with performances from tribute act Fleetingwood Mac, Steel Strum and Dirty Diesel Outlaw Orchestra.

Another act is to be confirmed.

The event has gone from strength to strength since being brought to life by the organisers of Victorious Festival - who along with Mutiny bosses were responsible for the Bavarian-inspired beer bash that came to Guildhall Square in October.

Portsmouth Beer Festival is held in May each year and a Christmas version with festive drinks and entertainment is staged in December to get everyone in the party mood.

It will be a stellar showcase of ales - with more than 100 cask varieties on offer.

Plus there will be a cider bar with mulled drinks for those who want to get in the festive spirit and fancy something different.

The event’s chosen charity, The Thunder Foundation, will raise cash through giant-sized pub games.

The foundation supports children and schools in Kenya.

Tickets are available at portsmouthbeerfestival.co.uk.