Organiser of Northampton's biggest beer festival says this year's event will be the biggest yet

The 2016 Northampton County Beer Festival is set to feature produce from 20 local brewers and a weekend of live entertainment when it returns to the ancient grounds between Thursday, May 19 and Sunday, May 22.

Last year the event drew record crowds, but this year organiser Alaric Neville of Phipps Brewery said it will be “bigger and better” with more space and “more beer.”

He said: “Delapre is by far the biggest beer festival in the county with over 150 different beers from 30 ale breweries, five local cider producers, two local gin producers, wine, spirits and craft ales from around the world in the new craft beer marquee.”

All 20 independent commercial brewers from around Northamptonshire will also be hoping to impress Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) judges, who will be handing out prizes in various categories as well as declaring an overall festival champion.

Last year’s winner was Whistling Kite’s Elanor’s Ise.

Festival goers will be able to take home bottles of their favourite beers, ciders or gins from the festival bottle shop.

Two stages will see 41 live acts, ranging from choirs to Morris dancing, perform.

There will also be fairground rides and a range of festival food stalls.

A new range of alcoholic ice creams and sorbets will debut at the festival as part of a joint venture between the two Northampton firms Phipps and Gallone’s.

A classic Daimler Red Northampton double Decker bus will ferry festival goers from the town centre to Delapre Abbey at the weekend, leaving from Phipps Albion Brewery Bar on Kingswell Street on the hour.