The Kent Beer Festival, which gets under way in Canterbury on Thursday, is the UK's second oldest and this year it celebrates its 35th anniversary.

More than 100 real ales, 20 ciders and 30 foreign beers will be on offer at Merton Farm, just outside the city between Thursday and Saturday.

The festival is organised by the Campaign for Real Ale and will be opened by Canterbury MP Julian Brazier. He said: "Our region has a rich heritage of brewing which also supports a wide range of rural and retail employment.

"Coupled with the vital role pubs serve in our community structure it is important we continue to address and promote CAMRA and the industry."

To help celebrate the festival's anniversary every one of the 10 Kent breweries will be represented with beers and all of the ciders are from the 14 Kent producers. It is expected 6,000 fans will attend.

The event also has live entertainment, Kent food, basic on site camping and a free shuttle bus from Canterbury to every session.