COLCHESTER’S Real Ale and Cider Festival will return at the tale end of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The 27th Colchester Real Ale and Cider Festival 2012 will take place at Colchester Arts Centre from Bank Holiday Tuesday, June 5 until Saturday, June 9.

On offer from noon to 11pm every day will be more than 140 beers from around the country, along with cider, wines from Mersea Island Vineyard and a Belgian bar offering draught and bottled beers.

There will also be soft drinks for designated drivers and a curry, barbeque and hog roast. Live bands will perform on Tuesday and Saturday evening.

Entrance is free until 3pm and £3 afterwards for non-CAMRA members.