IT’S been all hands to the pumps this week as volunteers prepare for an annual beer festival.

This year’s Letchworth Beer and Cider Festival opened at 5pm tonight (Thursday) at its new home, the Green House Community Market in the town centre.

North Herts CAMRA volunteers have been getting to grips with their new surroundings in Station Road while installing the many barrels that will keep the beer flowing through to Saturday.

The festival, which until the move had been held at Plinston for many years, will stock more than 50 real ales, as well as ciders and perries

Tonight’s festivities close at 11pm, reopening between midday and 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

Entry to the festival costs �2.50 but is free to CAMRA members. For more visit www.camranorthherts.org.uk