Make sure you leave the car keys at home for this year's spectacular Castle Point beer festival.

The borough's first major event of the 21st century looks set to be a huge success and runs from May 9-13 at Runnymede Hall, in Kiln Road, Benfleet.

As well as being able to sample more than 30 different real ales and bottled beers, enthusiasts can enjoy a week of varied live entertainment.

The fun kicks off on Tuesday with talented young singer Steve Bish. Steve has a vast repertoire of songs from the 1950s to the '90s, including Elvis-style rock 'n' roll and gentle Robbie Williams ballads.

Tickets are £3 for the event from 6pm - 11pm.

On Wednesday beer connoisseur Cliff Moyet will demonstrate how to brew your own ale and host a tasting session explaining how and why different beers have different characteristics.

There will also be entertainment from Benson and Benson, a duo singing numbers by Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. Entry is free and the doors are open from 6pm - 11pm.

It's thigh-slapping fun on Thursday night, from 6pm - 11pm, with professional Bavarian-style band Alpengold Blaskapelle.

They'll be plenty of traditional involvement for the party-goers with competitions and singalongs. Tickets are £5.

By popular demand rhythm and blues band Southside will entertain the crowds on Friday from 7pm-midnight. Resident festival band The Passengers will also be there. Tickets are £5.

The week ends on Saturday with folk band The Famous Potatoes performing especially to get locals in the mood for drinking from 7pm-midnight. Tickets are £5. A happy hour with free entry will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm-7pm.

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