Ale lovers will meet at a new venue for this year’s Maldon Beer and Cider Festival.

It will relocate to the Plume School in Fambridge Road, Maldon, where there will be more room, an outside drinking area and parking.

The 12th festival runs from Wednesday, April 9 to Saturday, April 12.

More than 50 real ales and a dozen ciders and organisers hope to have 35 ales available at any one time, though by late Saturday night the range may be diminished.

There will also be a few extra features, such as pub games in the hall, new caterers who will supply hot and cold food at all sessions, and live music on the Saturday night from Redhouse Groove Band.

Entrance is £1 (free to CAMRA members), with a £3 deposit for the souvenir tankard, which is fully refundable if returned.

Opening times are: Wednesday, 4pm to 11pm, Thursday to Saturday, 11am to 11pm.

For a full beer list, visit maldonanddengiecamra.org or contact Rob Longley on 01245 325812 or racllongley49@btinternet.com