IT'S cheers to that as CAMRA’s Ayrshire Real Ale Festival returns to Troon Concert Hall this week.

The popular festival is back for another year from October 3-5, organised by the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Scotland’s’ largest beer festival opens to beer and cider lovers from 2pm on Thursday, October 3 at the Troon Concert Hall.

Festivalgoers can expect to enjoy around 140 cask ales, 20 real ciders and perries, including a dedicated Champions Bar showcasing previous Champion Beer of Britain winners.

Wine, prosecco, soft drinks and non-alcoholic beers will also be available. 

To accompany the vast range of drinks, filled rolls, pies and other hot dishes will be provided by Brownings the Bakers.

The Ayrshire Real Ale Festival will stage musical entertainment on the Friday and Saturday evenings with punk pop band The Splinters and Scottish singer songwriter Starsky.

The festival’s nominated local charity this year will be Ayrshire Cancer Support, which provides emotional support and practical help to those affected by cancer.

Collection tins will be located around the bars and festivalgoers can also donate any unused beer tokens to support the local charity.

Festival organiser Matt Miller said: “The Ayrshire Real Ale Festival is a much-loved highlight of the Ayrshire calendar, and we’re thrilled to be holding it once again.

“This year we will have over 160 beers, ciders and perries from around Scotland and the rest of the UK, as well as wine and non-alcoholic beer.

“For 2024, the Walker Hall bar will feature only beers which have previously been selected as Champion Beer of Britain or Champion Beer of Scotland. There will be music on Friday and Saturday evenings on the Concert Hall stage.

“The equivalent of around 10,000 pints will be pulled over the weekend and we look forward to welcoming thousands of thirsty beer lovers.”

More information about the festival can be found at ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk.