ALE drinkers are in for a treat next week as the annual Melksham Beer Festival comes to town.

Now in its third year and bigger than ever before, there will be 26 beers and four ciders on offer, as well as live music.

Melksham Assembly Hall plays host to the event, which runs from 7-11pm on Friday and on Saturday with sessions from 11am-3pm and 7-11pm. The beers on offer are all brewed in the south west, and tickets are available on the door.

The festival is organised by Melksham Entertainment Group, an organisation formed to put on events for the people of the town.

Committee member Geoff Mitcham said: "The thing I'm most looking forward to is just the fun of the festival, with people getting together for a chat and trying out the different beers.

"We are hoping for a good turnout. We started the festival because one of the aims of the Melksham Entertainment Group is to get more use out of our local venues including the Assembly Hall."

On the Friday evening, local folk band Shake the Barley will be keeping drinkers entertained with live music, while on Saturday it is the turn of 60s rockers The Fog.

Snacks will also be available as well as an alternative bar with wines and spirits for those who are not fans of real ale.

In its first two years the festival only took place on a Saturday, but this year the organisers decided to extend it.

Mr Mitcham said: "Last year a few people commented that lots of people go out on a Friday night rather than a Saturday, so we thought we would have the Friday so they have the chance to come."

Last year the event attracted around 300 drinkers from across Wiltshire and was rated a great success - despite the fact the attendance was less than expected because people were watching Chippenham Town play in the FA Cup.

Stuart Natt, supervisor at Melksham Assembly Hall, said: "The last couple of years have been great and there's been a good response.

"Everyone loves it, has a few and has a really good time."