A POPULAR beer festival returns to Hampshire this evening.

Hundreds of beer lovers are expected to flock to Hiltingbury Community Centre, where The Hilt Beer Fest will take place tonight and tomorrow.

Festival goers will have the chance to sample a variety of beers from the likes of Botley Brewery, Red Cat Brewing, Steam Town Brew Co, Hop Back Brewery and Bowman Ales.

Meanwhile Dorset Nectar, Dorset Sunshine, Purbeck Cider Company, Twisted and West Milton Cider will give visitors the opportunity to try different ciders.

Live music will be provided by Southampton Ukulele Jam, The Discerning Gentlemen, When Harri Met Alli, Panatical Steel Band Steel Band and The Descendants.

The event is organised by the Hiltingbury Community Association.

Zina Eminton, one of the organisers, said: “The beer festival goes down really well as an event for local people to come down, listen to good music and have good beers. We are supporting local brewery and providing people with the chance to sample these good local beers and enjoy a good evening.”

Pasties and pork pies will also be available both nights.

The event has been supported by local businesses including Rawling Opticians.

Ms Eminton said: “We are very grateful to the supporters of the beer fest.

“We try to keep all our events at a reasonable cost so that it can be enjoyed by the community and at the same time raise enough money for the Hilt.”

Tickets cost £10 for one night and £15 for two nights.

Price includes free beer fest glass and tokens.

The event runs from 6pm until 11pm each evening.