Swindon's beer and cider festival set to return - all you need to know

Swindon’s 11th beer and cider festival returns for a long weekend in May, featuring comedy, live music and a selection of food and drink.

The Old Town Beer Festival will be held inside the Community Centre at Christ Church and will run from Thursday 9 to Saturday, May 12.

There is set to be 46 different beers and 30 ciders available and, for the first time, a wine bar.

The festival is Christ Church’s biggest fundraising event of the year supporting the charities Wiltshire Tree House and Hjälpande Händer (Helping Hands) to give back to the community.

Festival organiser Chris Smith said: "We're thrilled to celebrate our 11th anniversary and we've planned a fantastic event to mark the occasion. The event provides something for everyone, including live music, comedy and my particular favourite of musicals.

“Of course, there will be a huge selection of beer and cider to tease your palette. It’s fun for all ages and if you don’t drink alcohol, we have provided for you too."

A comedy night will kick off the event in style on Thursday evening, hosted by local MC Sam Michael and headlined by twice Emmy-winning actor and comedian Fiona Allen, with supporting acts Jonathon Elston and Ian Macdonald.

On Friday evening, there is the chance to indulge in the extensive beer and cider menus and a £15 ticket includes entry, two drinks, a festival glass, and a festival guide.

The festival will start at midday on Saturday, sponsored by the Rusty Garage Brewery, with performances from Sweet Nightingale, What The Pluck, The Lost Hills and the Driftwood Country Duo.

As the weekend draws to a close, the SALOS Musical Theatre Company will perform hits from musicals like The Greatest Showman, Miss Saigon and Wicked.

Food vendors ‘Food for Thought’ will also be on site over the weekend serving up fish and chips, burgers and vegetarian and vegan options.

Tickets range from £10 to £15, with cheaper tickets available for children, and the festival is dog-friendly.

Find out more information at oldtownbeerfestival.com