A WEEKEND of music, beer and cheese will be on the menu at a five-day pub festival.

VicFEST returns for the sixth year at, as its name hints, The Victoria in Hitchin.

Kicking off tomorrow (Thursday), and running through until Monday, there are around 25 music acts booked, all set to perform live.

Speaking to Venue, landlady Victoria Kevans said: “It’s always been a two day festival. We’ve increased it this year to show off what local talent there is, but also to raise funds and awareness for British Heart Foundation and Headway, which are both very special to me.

“All acts play for free on Sunday and Monday, and there is some great talent there.

“Every year, it gets bigger and better.”

Sunday is being hailed as the “main day”, and marks the start of an acoustic festival, where 20 acts will take to two stages over the Sunday and Monday, with the Scallywags giving the festival a send off on the last day.

It starts at 3pm on the Sunday and 4pm on the Monday, and goes on through late into the evening.

But there’s plenty more preceding it, with Friday showcasing an open mic night with a “strong folk vibe”, and Joe Ferris in the barn on Saturday evening from 7pm.

Saturday also marks a VicFEST debut for Bedfordshire band The Ouse Valley Singles Club, who mix music with comedy.

For those who want something to accompany their music, there will be a beer and cider tent throughout the weekend, a cheese bar on the Thursday, courtesy of Halseys, and a fish and chip supper on Friday.

Entry to the Ickleford Road venue is free, but people are asked to donate to the two charities.