PREPARATIONS are well under way for the 2019 Worcester Beer Festival, with the main marquee already being built on the Pitchcroft racecourse.

The event, which runs from Thursday to Saturday (August 8-10), is organised by the city’s branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Beers, ciders and perries, made by small artisan producers from all over the country, will be on sale, and this year’s event also includes a craft world beer bar and speciality gin bar.

A spokesman for Worcester CAMRA said: “It’s all going swimmingly, better than last year in fact.

“There will be over 100 real ales on offer, and over 100 ciders and perries. We want there to be something for everyone, so we also have a fine selection of wines and the gin bar for those who don’t want to drink beer or cider.”

Entertainment on Thursday includes a DJ set from Andy V of Swindon’s 105.5 FM radio, presenting reggae, dub and dancehall, and live music from post-punk band Skewwhiff.

On Friday, there will be sets from indie rockers Ya Ya Logic, Andy V again, drum trio Bhangra Smash Up and classic covers band Come Together.

And Saturday’s line-up includes Worcester Ukelele Club, garage rockers Zetland Road, blues duo Swampcandy, Humdrum Express and the Hereford Big Band.

For the hungry, options include Mexican street food, hot dogs, burgers and chips, noodles and jacket potatoes, kebabs and curry, and traditional Polish food.

Advance tickets are available online through TicketSource and from the box office of Worcester Live at Huntingdon Hall.

Tickets will be available on the door on Thursday night. There will be no tickets on sale at the door on Friday night, with admission by advance tickets only.

The spokesman said: “We cannot guarantee there will be tickets on sale at the door for Saturday. If the available tickets are all purchased in advance, there will be none on the door. We will post the status on our website and on social media.”