BEER-LOVERS are raising a glass at the 15th Colchester Winter Ale Festival.

The Colchester and North East Essex Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) is hosting the event at Colchester Arts Centre.

Gazette: Cheers - the 15th Colchester Winter Ale Festival is taking place at Colchester Art CentreCheers - the 15th Colchester Winter Ale Festival is taking place at Colchester Art Centre (Image: Steve Brading)

Gazette: Busy - beer-lovers at the festivalBusy - beer-lovers at the festival (Image: Steve Brading)

The event opened yesterday and runs until Saturday night.

This year the event logo honours Jane and Ann Taylor, writers of the lyrics to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star while living Colchester’s Dutch Quarter.

Gazette: Raising a glass - Stevie BellhamRaising a glass - Stevie Bellham (Image: Steve Brading)

Gazette: Choice - Malcolm Fielding and Graham Cobden choose a tippleChoice - Malcolm Fielding and Graham Cobden choose a tipple (Image: Steve Brading)

There are around 110 ales to choose from with up to 75 available at a time, from all across the country, as well as 20 real ciders and perrys, bottled Belgian beers and soft drinks.

Gazette: Beer - John Turkentine with Becky MossBeer - John Turkentine with Becky Moss (Image: Steve Brading)

Gazette: Pulling a pint - a volunteer behind the bar at Colchester Winter Ale FestivalPulling a pint - a volunteer behind the bar at Colchester Winter Ale Festival (Image: Steve Brading)

The festival runs from 12noon to 10.30pm today and tomorrow and from 11am to 10.30pm on Saturday.

Entry is free at all times to Camra members on production of a valid membership card - and costs £3 after 3pm for non-members.