The eighth annual Baldock Beer Festival is roaring into town tonight with a wealth of entertainment on offer.

As the opener of the wider Baldock Festival – which runs until May 17 – tonight will kick off a triple header of beer, food and music at Brandles School in Weston Way.

The weekend – which has a Rugby World Cup theme – features 70 local and national ales, 40 ciders and a large selection of continental tipples.

Children can be entertained by rugby-based games and challenges, while there will be eating options galore.

Alongside the suds and sausages there will be a main stage and Balstock acoustic stage to savour.

Organiser Graeme ‘G’ La Roche said: “It’s an honour to be asked back to the beer festival, especially to help support Balstock and put some of my favourite acts on stage. The atmosphere is always buzzing.”

The festival will be running from 5pm until 11pm tonight, 12 noon until 11pm tonight and 12 noon until 8pm on Sunday.

All the details of bands, beers and entertainment can be found at www.baldockbeerfestival.org.

There will also be the sixth annual Irish festival on Monday which will see traditional music played up and down the High Street from 12 noon onwards, as well as entertainment in the Rose and Crown from 8pm.

Organiser Brian Burke said: “The event has grown every year and I believe that all the musicians and spectators have a great time.

“The quality of the music has also grown and I believe this year’s concert will be the best ever.”