EASTLEIGH Football Club is staging its first beer festival as part of a campaign to make its stadium a community hub.

The two-day event is being held in the clubhouse, which transforms itself into a venue called The Hangar when special events are held at the Silverlake Stadium.

Visitors can sample a range of cask ales, craft beers and ciders as well as enjoying a hog roast and live music.

Dan Barnes, the club's events co-ordinator, said: "We saw a massive gap in the market which we've filled by staging gigs and booking tribute acts.

"We wanted to do a beer festival and further enhance the club's reputation as a good friendly environment where everyone is welcome.

"The beer festival is the first one we've done - and who knows ho0w big it could get. We've got award-winning ales, plus a rum-infused beer."

Live music is being provided by a variety of acts including New Age, Snakeheart and Southampton Ukelele Jam.

The Hangar reflects the club's nicknames - The Spitfires.

Future events include an evening with former world darts champion Eric Bristow, 59, who was ranked World No1 by the World Darts Federation a record six times. Dubbed the Crafty Cockney, he has been booked to appear at the club on September 16.

An Elvis evening on August 5 will be followed by the Bryan Adams Experience on October 28.

For a special picture spread of the festival pick up a copy of Monday's Daily Echo.