RICH or sour, bitter or sweet - drinkers were spoilt for choice as they made their way through gallons of beer in Oxford Town Hall.

The annual Beer and Cider Festival was in full swing this afternoon after its opening night on Thursday.

Organisers are expecting to sell out this evening but have held back 40 varieties for those visiting on Saturday - the last day of the revelries.

Brewers, publicans and other beer experts took part in a blind tasting test this lunchtime as they searched for the best beers on offer.

This year's event has taken on a Remembrance theme with special brewers creating First World War era brews and donating proceeds going to military veterans charities.

Pete Flynn, chairman of Oxford Campaign for Real Ale, said: "It's the premier event for beer in Oxford.

"There's such a variety that people simply can't find anywhere else.

"We're supporting as many local brewers as we can.

"There's so much going on in the Oxford beer scene at the moment and this is about celebrating all that is good about Oxford beer."

The festivities had tempted Tom Lannon to visit from London for the day.

He said: "It is fabulous - a great location, great beer, there's such a lot to like about it.

"I have not been in Oxford for a very long time so I thought I'd make a special effort this year.

"It has such a rich tradition of brewing in Oxfordshire and it's great to see it continuing."