BEER lovers will be able to fortify themselves against plummeting temperatures when the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) hosts its beer and cider festival in Banbury.

The theme for this year's event at the Army Reserve Centre in Oxford Road is winter beers and there will be a selection of dark ales, along with the usual range of styles of traditional bitters, pale, golden, brown and mild beers.

On Friday and Saturday punters will be able to enjoy pints sourced from across the country, including Bingham's Vanilla Stout which was named 2016 CAMRA Supreme Champion Beer of Britain.

Hook Norton Brewery, which is the main brewery sponsor of the event, will supply five beers including Greedy Goose, Playing Hooky and winter seasonal dark ale Twelve Days.

The festival will also feature a unique brew from Hook Norton's pilot brewery called Hopsidedown, which has been brewed using English Prima Donna hops grown in Banbury.

Abingdon's Loose Cannon brewery will also be represented.

For drinkers who prefer something other than beer there will be more than 20 ciders and perries on offer including Red Dog.

Saturday will feature live music from Barney Newman and Tom Leary, with Pete Watkins appearing to finish off the event.

The festival is open from midday to 11pm on both days, with entry free for CAMRA members.