A beer and cider festival launches today (Thursday).

The Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival – backed by the Comet – is taking place at Hitchin Rugby Club in Old Hale Way from 5pm tonight and runs until Saturday.

Organisers from CAMRA North Herts, Hitchin Round Table and Hitchin Rugby Club aim to build on last year’s festival, which was held at the rugby club for the first time and saw more than 2,000 people attend.

The 2014 event will see a larger marquee, more seating and a wider range of food options to meet demand. There will be 77 cask ales on offer, as well as more cider and perries than ever before and a selection of draught and bottled foreign beers.

Luis Andrade, from Hitchin Round Table, said: “Now that the marquee is up and the barrels have been delivered, it’s possible to see the outcome of all the hours of planning that have been put in since October last year.

“Hitchin Round Table members are very proud to have been involved in this event and see it as very much part of their involvement in the local community – as do CAMRA and the rugby club.

“Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival is a great event to lead into the forthcoming Hitchin Festival. In addition to bringing to people’s attention the work of CAMRA, Hitchin Round Table and Hitchin Rugby Club, it has afforded an opportunity to promote and support local businesses.

“The festival could not occur without the assistance of volunteers, sponsors and organisations within Hitchin being willing to support the event and the organisers would like to say thank you to those that have supported this year’s event.”

The beer and cider festival, to be officially opened by Comet deputy editor Steve Langbridge, runs from 5pm-11pm today, from midday until 11pm tomorrow (Friday) and between midday and 11pm on Saturday.

Entry is £2.50 but is free for members of the partner organisations. Children will be permitted, free of charge, until 8pm.