Organisers of Chippenham Beer Festival are warning ale lovers that tickets are selling fast.

The event to be held at the Olympiad Sports Hall next Friday and Saturday, March 28 and 29, will feature a choice of more than 100 beers, ciders and perries.

Organiser Jessica Purton said: “Ticket sales are going very well so we would urge people to book in advance so they are not disappointed.

"We also want to let people know the festival date is earlier than in previous years and we don’t want anyone to miss out.”

This year’s festival weill be the 23rd organised by North West Wiltshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale and organisers have learnt a lot over the years.

Mrs Purton said:”The first Chippenham Beer Festival was held in the Neeld Hall in 1992. Branch members remember there being too much beer and not enough customers.

"Paul Hawkins spent the night in the Neeld Hall keeping wet towels wet whilst Alan Powell fly-posted all the town’s cash dispensers.

"The second year had too many customers and not enough beer, but since year three they have had the balance right.”

Beer sales have increased every year from 500 gallons to 800 gallons and now around 2,000 people are expected attend the festival.

Tickets must be bought in advance for both evening sessions.

Tickets cost £6 for Friday evening which runs from 6-11pm and £5 for each of the two Saturday sessions, which include live music and go from 11am-4pm and 7-11pm.

A free festival glass is included in the price and CAMRA members get £2 of free beer tokens.

Tickets are available for cash sales from Lets Face it at 28 New Road, Chippenham or by post from Sam Henly at 35 Park Lane, Chippenham SN15 1LN (Send SAE). Cheques should be payable to NWWilts CAMRA.