NORTH Essex’s and cider-lovers are raisingaglass the week in celebration of Colchester Real Ale and Cider Festival’s 30th anniversary.

The event has already attracted hundreds of ale fans to Colchester Art Centre to enjoy the more than 120 tipples on tap. Connoisseurs are enjoying beers, ciders and other drinks from across the country at the biggestever festival.

A spokesman for the organiser, Colchester Camra, said: “The festival offers 120-plus beers from all over the country, plus real cider and perries.

“There’s also a Belgian bar, offering draught and bottled Belgian beers. English wines from Mersea IslandVineyard are also available,as are soft drinks, free to designated drivers.”

Visitors pay a £3 on the festival’s commemorative glasses, refundable if they decide not to take it home with them asakeepsake.