VIKINGS are set to invade Harwich for the second year in a row.

Last year Danish beer enthusiasts were hampered by boat trouble as they arrived at Harwich for the annual beer festival.

Despite planning to spend a day in the town, they only managed about half an hour - and there were fears beer would have to be driven to them at Harwich Port if they could not make it off the ship at all.

But the beer lovers are setting sail again this December for the festival.

Richard Oxborrow, beer festival orgaiser, said: “We are hopeful that this year’s visit will be a lot smoother and our Danish friends will have time to sample a variety of quality real ales.

“They have been given a sneak preview of the beer list and are very enthusiastic.”

After finsing out the Danish visit was on the cards the organising committee of the event added Rudgate’s ‘Viking Bitter’ to the beer list.

“Viking Bitter is a great beer but we hadn’t planned to have it at this year’s festival,” Mr Oxborrow added.

“I’m sure it won’t last long once our Danish friends arrive.”

The Harwich Beer Festival will take place in the Kingsway Hall, Dovercourt on December 3 to 5 with a preview evening on December 2.

The Danish group are hoped to be at the festival on the afternoon of Friday, December 4.