THE pumps are primed for the 2005 Kent Beer Festival which is expected to attract up to 6,000 people to the venue at Merton Farm over the three-day event.

With more than 120 beers and ciders to sample, real ale drinkers will be spoilt for choice.

Gill Keay, from Canterbury, has organised all 31 festivals since her first event in 1975 when she was inspired by a visit to the Campaign for Real Ale Festival in Cambridge the previous year.

Now the Canterbury Beer Festival is the county’s premier event of its kind and the second oldest in the country, with Gill still at the helm helped by a team of volunteers from CAMRA.

Thirty years ago, it was a one-day festival in the Dane John Gardens where 500 visitors enjoyed beer at 16p a pint – until the barrels ran dry at 6pm.

Gill said: "The festival is now an important part of the summer calendar in Kent and I have to thank the many brewers and staff who help make it a success every year."

Following its popular debut last year, the Pink Girlie Bar will return, offering beers aimed at both female and first time beer drinkers.

There will be a separate bar promoting Kent’s rich brewing history with beers from Kent’s 10 independent brewers and the festival will also focus on beers brewed with British hops, which are a threatend crop.

Several live bands will play over the three days and variety of food from Kentish cheese to curry will be on sale. To discourage drink-driving, there will also be a regular, free shuttle bus from Canterbury Bus Station to the venue.

On opening night on Thursday, the beer will flow from 6.30pm until 11pm. Entry costs £3.

On Friday, entry is free from noon till 4pm but costs £6 for the evening session which starts at 6.30pm. Advance tickets (£5) are advised and are available from The Gate Inn at Marshside; Plough and Harrow, Bridge; Clarenden Inn, Sandgate; and the Unicorn, St Dunstan’s Street, Canterbury.

On Saturday, entry is £3 and the festival is open from noon until 9pm.

For more information telephone 01227 463478 or visit www.kentbeerfestival.co.uk.