MORE than 130 real ales and ciders will be available to sample at the 32nd Kent Beer Festival.

Organisers are expecting around 6,000 people to descend on Merton Farm in Canterbury for the three-day event, which begins on Thursday.

The festival aims to promote Kent's brewing heritage and the county's 10 independent breweries will have separate bars.

There will also be bar selling Kentish cider, as well as the Pink Girlie bar, which is aimed at female and first-time beer drinkers and will be staffed by women happy to offer advice.

The festival is run by volunteer members of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Gill Keay, who has organised all 32 Kent Beer Festivals, said: "The Kent Beer Festival is an important part of the summer to our many regulars and tourists but we always welcome new visitors.

"Visitors are encouraged to try different brews and tasting notes are provided."

Free shuttle buses will run from Canterbury Bus Station every 15 minutes. Advance tickets for the Friday evening session have already sold out.

The sessions:

Thursday, July 20: 6.30pm - 11pm (£3)

Friday, July 21: Noon - 4pm (free entry); 6.30pm - 11pm (£6)

Saturday, July 22: Noon - 9pm (£3)