REAL ale fans will be drooling at the prospect of Mersea Island's third annual beer festival happening over the Easter weekend.

Hosted by Mersea Island Vineyard and Brewery in Rewsalls Lane, East Mersea, the four-day event will feature some 30 guest beers, all from Essex breweries.

There will also be a chance to try the island's very own Yo Boy, Skippers and Mersea Monkeys, as well as two ciders from Great Totham maker Totham Kneecracker.

A full programme of entertainment on each of the four days will feature the Chelmsford Morris, the Julie Cooper Band, Scorchio, the Shanty Ensemble, the Wilderbeasts, an open jamming session, and a disco spanning four decades of great music.

Arthur Cock at the Courtyard Café, a barbecue and hog roast will supply food.

Roger Barber, of Mersea Vineyard and Brewery, said: "The event is to be held in a large heated marquee, so no matter what the weather may offer, we are set to offer a warm welcome to the expected 2,000-plus visitors."

lThe beer fest will be open daily from Good Friday to Easter Monday from 11am. Closing time will be 10.30pm on the Friday and Saturday and 6pm on Sunday and Monday.