A POPULAR food and drink event boasting an incredible selection of tasty treats, interesting alcohol flavours and live music will return to Colchester next year.

The Sausage & Cider Festival will take place on Saturday July 15 in Lower Castle Park, featuring food vendors, a large outdoor stage, and more than 50-metres of bars.

More than 12 different varieties of sausage and 25 flavours of cider will be on offer, as well as draft beer, prosecco, gin, cocktails, and soft drinks.

The ever-exciting six-round chilli eating competition will also return to the festival, running from 2pm until 10.30pm, as well as the speed sausage eating content.

Providing the soundtrack to the summertime extravaganza will be some of the country’s best tribute acts, including Kopy Kat Killers and Sub Artic Monkeys.

Scam Fender, Parklife, One Step Behind, Definitely Mightbe, Kazabian and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers will also be performing, and some local artists.

Lee Brian, marketing manager for the Sausage & Cider Festival said: “It will be our biggest event yet.

“We have moved the Sausage and Cider festival to the Saturday to get a full day of live music and fun.

“We also recognise there is a cost-of-living crisis and we have reduced the price of tickets for Black Friday sales.

“Those who sign up will be able to get our cheapest outdoor event ticket price ever.”

Pre-sale tickets are available now with a 50 per cent discount from sausageandciderfest.co.uk.