Dovercourt is to stage its First-ever real ale festival.

The event will be staged in December and it is hoped to pull in visitors to the town from the Continent.

The three-day winter ale festival will showcase around 20-25 beers and there will also be musical entertainment.

It is being put on at the same time as the turning on of the Christmas lights and the late-night shopping event.

Organiser Richard Oxborrow, a member of Colchester and North East Essex CAMRA, said it was an exciting venture.

"It will be the first ever festival of its kind in Dovercourt and we believe it will attract quite a few visitors at a time when the town is a bit quieter and boost trade," he said.

"It will be an annual event and we hope it will go from strength to strength."

First GER has already got on board as a major sponsor and is looking to run late trains back so that people can attend the festival and be able to get home afterwards.

"There is already a similar festival at Colchester and Clacton and those members living in Harwich felt it was time to complete the triangle," added Mr Oxborrow.

Mike Harvey, treasurer for the CAMRA branch and organiser at Clacton, said he was delighted the idea had come off.

"It will be called Harwich and Dovercourt Bay Winter Ale Festival and will run from December 5-7," he said. "The venue is the Kingsway Hall in Kingsway and is close to transport links."

Mr Harvey said it was hoped to publicise the festival on Stena and DFDS ships in the hopes of attracting overseas visitors.

"I am sure it will be a boost for the town in the winter and will be welcomed. It is an ideal venue," he added.

Organisers are also looking for more sponsors and anyone interested should contact 01255 420085 or 01255 871117

Published Wednesday January 16, 2002