Get set for return of Wickham Charity Beer Festival

The 17th annual Wickham Charity Beer Festival takes place on Saturday at The Wickham Centre, in Mill Lane, Wickham.

More than 30 real ales and ciders will run through the taps over two sessions.

And a barbecue will be laid on for hungry guests, courtesy of Meon Valley Lions.

Cash raised will go towards local charities and organisations, including The Elifar Foundation, Wickham Community Association and Meon Valley Lions.

Entertainment will be provided by Meon Valley band Shantyhead, who sing a mix of shanties and folk music at pubs, beer festivals and private functions. Nine-piece act The Soulcatchers, who focus on a blend ofsoul and Motown, play classic songs from the era.

An afternoon session will be held from 11am to 4pm, and the evening session runs from 6pm to 11pm.

Beers are being sourced from a range of brewers across the region, including; Bowman Ales Ltd, the main sponsor of the occasion, Kennet and Avon Brewery, Upham Brewery, Red Cat Brewing, Longdog Brewery, Irving and Co Brewers Ltd, Wessex Brewery, Ramsbury, Urban Island Brewing Company, Hop Art, Botley Brewery, Broken Bridge, Shed Ales, Wild Weather, Itchen Valley, JJ’s Ciders and Hill Farm Juice.

Families are welcome at the afternoon session, but no children are permitted in the main hall or bar area.

The evening session is for over-18s only and no children are allowed in. Tickets for the evening sessions cost £8 and the afternoon session costs £5 and an all-day pass is £10.

To buy, go to wickhambeerfestival.co.uk/pages/tickets.asp