THE city's beer festival has kicked off as visitors headed to Worcester Racecourse on Thursday.

Over 200 beers, 120 ciders and 30 perry's will be available for fans over the weekend including 15 beers from Worcester and further options from nearby Pershore, Malvern, Bewdley, Stourbridge and Kinver.

Amongst the new options this year is Muddy Knees, a bitter dedicated to those working at the Hive managing the historic records of Worcester, inspired by Belgian malt influence and American hops ascent.

Other new options include Birtie’s Best and Malvern Pale Ale from Malvern Hills Brewery and Dirty Habit and White Knight produced at St George's Brewery in Callow End.

Unusual drinks include Dragons Blood, a bitter which combines chocolate and crystal malt to give a ruby red colour with a hint of chocolate and Forester, a burnt orange coloured beer featuring wheat biscuit flavoured malts blend well with select English and American Hops.

Festival publicity officer Bill Ottaway said: “With so many different beers, ciders and perry’s to choose from there is bound to be something for everyone.”

The festival continues on Friday, which is sold out and on Saturday where more than 50 tickets were still available.

As well as the traditional cider making counties, including Worcestershire, the festival has also sourced ciders and perry’s from less traditional places such as Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire.

Live music is on show during the festival with Other Covers Trio, a Midlands three-piece cover band performing their 60s classics and funk and soul hits today whilst Mike Skilbeck will also perform soul music.

On Saturday, covers band Come Together will perform a range of music from 60s classics to modern day hits.

For the full list of drinks and for tickets, visit https://www.worcesterbeerfest.org.uk