Organisers are gearing up for what is set to be the biggest and best Hitchin beer festival yet.

The Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival will kick off on Thursday from 4pm to 11pm at Hitchin Rugby Club, based off Old Hale Way.

The celebration of good beer and perry will continue through Friday, from 12 noon to 11pm, with the same opening times on the Saturday.

Due to the popularity of last year’s event, most beer and cider sold out well before the finish as visitors made the most of the quality selection on offer.

Organiser Jon Kirby from Camra North Herts told the Comet: “We’ve been busy preparing for what will hopefully be our biggest and best yet.

“We’ve got a sign up in Market Place and will be doing a ‘beer mat drop’ at Hitchin railway station tomorrow to greet people after work and raise awareness of our event.

“For this festival, we have over-ordered on beer and completely maxed out the racking – and with more of us working on the beer list we have quite a varied selection.”

Organisers promise more than 80 real ales and ciders from across the country, as well foreign beers for thirsty punters to try.

The event – backed by the Comet – is at the rugby club for the fourth year running and features a slightly larger marquee than in 2015.

There will also be a real ale/craft bar as seen at the successful Stevenage festival held for the first time in February, while Hichin chef Martin Burke will also be serving up his mouth-watering fayre.