The Old Town Beer Festival returns this weekend.

The festival is back to full strength for the first time since the pandemic.

Last year, pints were served to punters but on a much smaller scale.

Organisers also ran an online event in 2020.

Swindon Town have agreed to officially open the event at noon on Saturday, with CEO Rob Angus in attendance and a player potentially alongside him if the schedule allows.

Tickets are being discounted for Town fans, with prices at £10 reduced from £15.

This entitles people to a festival glass to keep, their first two drinks and a festival guide.

Christ church Community Centre operations manager Jenny Hatter said: “We’re very excited, it’ll be great to welcome people back and have a bit of normality back in people’s lives.

“It’s really unusual as it gets held in a church, so it’s a really unique venue for this sort of event and it’s a unique opportunity for people to come and enjoy a festival with the buildings and grounds of Christ Church.”

Organisers of the festival are expecting to have well over 1,000 people attending across the two days with 48 beers and 29 ciders being on offer.

Jason Putt who runs the Hop pub said: “I am delighted to be able to support the Old Town beer festival, we have seen the event grow along with ourselves, we are now thriving again in both the Hop and Little Hop and look forward to seeing many of you at the event and also at The Hop”.

Food will be provided by Graham Rowcliffe and his team from Food for Thought (formerly Dotty’s Café) who will be serving fish and chips and burgers as well as beef chilli and a vege bean stew.

Mr Rowcliffe said: “We love coming to Christ Church, there is always such a fantastic atmosphere and a real community feel. Where else can you be welcomed into a church and have the unique experience of a pint in a pew?”

The Old Town Beer Festival starts on Friday, May 13 from 6pm until 11pm and continues on Saturday, May 14 from noon to 10pm at Christ Church in Cricklade Street.