Organisers preparing for Newcastle city centre Beer and Cider Festival

The 46th edition of the Newcastle Beer and Cider Festival is taking place next month with organisers a "bigger and better event" than ever.

This year's event will be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of CAMRA, the Campaign For Real Ale in Tyneside and Northumberland.

Held at the Students Union at Northumbria University, the event will see a huge gathering of beer and cider fans looking to try out some of the region's top drinks.

With around 100 beers and 50 ciders on tap, ranging from quirky micro-breweries to established names, the university site will host the biggest showcase of its kind in the region. This year, a spirits bar will make its debut on Friday and Saturday, featuring a selection of rum, whisky, and gin to cater to a wider palate.

Taking place from Wednesday, April 10 until Saturday, April 13, the event will also offer traditional pubs games for attendees to enjoy.

The event's team of volunteers have a huge logistical task to organise getting hundreds of casks of ale on site, conditioned and ready for the perfect pour for every visitor. The event involves building several bars from scratch, organising the logistics of getting beers and ciders to the right places and ensuring that the attendees are well looked after. 

Each day will see special events and entertainment, with live music and dance performances.

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“Every year we get better and better both in terms of the breweries taking part and visitor numbers" said festival organiser Anthony McMullen.

"We are looking forward to welcoming back old and new friends who attend the festival each year.

"This year our first tickets were bought by a couple who travel from Germany every year to sample one of the most diversely curated selection of Beers."

Fast track admission packages are now available for £19 which includes a commemorative glass and four beer tokens. These are available from the event's website.