MORE than 1,000 punters are expected at a popular beer and cider festival in Witney this weekend.

Cogges Beer & Cider Festival takes place at Cogges Manor Farm, Witney, from Friday to Sunday, with almost 50 beers and ciders from across the county.

The three-day festival begins at 6.30pm on Friday to kick off a weekend of drinks, food, music, games and dancing.

Live music will be entertaining drinkers in the 17th century barns, with morris dancing and traditional games taking place on Friday and Saturday night.

The festival is now in its seventh year and has become a celebration of some of the best brews in the country.

All beers and ciders are sourced from breweries within 30 miles of Cogges and the festival is within easy reach of Witney town centre and public transport.

Cogges marketing manager Kim Hall revealed organisers were looking forward to a bumper weekend as the hot weather continues.

She said: "With the sun shining it should be a really lovely festival vibe."

The first two days run between 6.30pm and 11pm with over 18s only admitted, before the festival's 'Drink Up Day' from 11am to 5pm on Sunday.

This is a more family-friendly day, with local microbreweries, as well as live music, activities for children and a bouncy castle.

Mrs Hall said: "We have a real mix of different activities and it's a nice one for the kids to come along as well."

Tickets for Friday and Saturday night are £10 in advance and £12 on the door and can be bought online.

Sunday tickets are £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children.