REAL ale lovers drank a Colchester festival dry with hundreds turning out to sample beers and ciders.

The Colchester Summer Real Ale and Cider Festival took place at Colchester Arts Centre, in Church Street, from June 1 until June 4.

Organised by Colchester and North East Essex CAMRA, the celebration of authentic ale has not been able to go ahead since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 35th edition of the event, however, made up for lost time by showcasing more than 80 different varieties of booze.

Everything beer, cider, perry and local wines from Mersea Island to Belgian alcohol, non-alcoholic bubbly and soft drinks for designed drivers was on offer.

Merry guests were encouraged to make the most of the historic church venue’s glorious outdoor space.

Dan Young, chairman of Colchester and North East Essex CAMRA, said: “There was something for everyone to enjoy."

Organisers added: "We have been overwhelmed with the support for the event during the last few days.

"Numbers attending have far exceeded our expectations - you drank us dry.

"Any worries we had about a post-Covid lull, or a drop in numbers due to the jubilee weekend, were unfounded.

"We're immensely proud that so many of you chose to visit.

"We hope those of you who came enjoyed the event."