DRINKERS will be raising a toast as a popular beer festival based in an historic fort has announced it will be returning this month.

The Redoubt Fort beer festival didn’t take place last year due to Government restrictions but it is now making its highly anticipated return.

From Thursday, July 29 until Sunday, August 1, drinkers will be able to enjoy real ale in a location rich in history as the Harwich Town Brewing Company runs its 11th festival.

With 55 real ales and 30 ciders and perries to taste, there are a lot of reasons people from far and wide will cross the moat into the Napoleonic fortress to experience the event.

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Also on offer will be two draught Belgian fruit beers, as well as eight craft keg beers and a gin bar on the Friday and Saturday operated by the East Coast Distillery.

Paul Meller, of the Harwich Town Brewing Company, said: “We were desperately sorry not to be able to run last year’s festival but it was the right decision. “Arranging this year’s festival has been more complicated than usual but it will be fantastic to be up and running again.

“We will not have music at this year’s event but I am sure everyone will be pleased to be able to raise a glass of quality real ale at a festival again.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming back regular and new visitors alike for what we hope will be a great beer festival.”

It is as much a community event as it is for beer drinkers, however, with te Café on the Pier serving hot and cold food inside the fort during all sessions.

A decision has been made to make the first three days of the festival a ticket-only event to ensure the numbers of visitors can be monitored.

However, on the final day visitors may pay entry on the door.

Each day’s entry is £5 per head and includes a special festival drinking glass.

It’s also a family affair as children are dogs are also welcome.

Tickets go on sale at midnight on Sunday.

You can purchase yours via harwichfestival.com/redoubt-beer-festival or email chris@harwichfestival.co.uk or info@harwichfestival.co.uk.

Alternatively, call 07425 145022 for more information.