A popular beer festival is set to return in 2025 with a packed schedule of events.

The Christ Church Beer Festival, now in its 12th year, will take place over four days from May 8 to May 11, offering a mix of real ales, ciders, comedy, and live music.

Organisers have confirmed more than 45 beers and 30 ciders will be available, with an ‘A to Z of breweries’ also set to take part.

New features for 2025 include a rum bar and moonshine tastings, alongside a family-friendly closing concert by the Wessex Choir.

Read more: 'Ambitious project' underway at green Queen's Park Lake

The festival will begin on Thursday, May 8, with a comedy night organised in partnership with Swindon Old Town Comedy Club.

Comedian Dom Joly, known for his appearances on TV, will headline the event, with Matt Richardson, Joanna Surowiec, and host Sam Michael also performing.

The event will run from 6pm to 11pm, with tickets priced at £18, which includes entry, a festival glass, a festival guide, and the first drink.

Friday, May 9, will see the return of the classic beer festival night, featuring the full range of beers, ciders, and spirits, as well as the new rum bar and moonshine tasters from Fandangos Events.

The event will run from 6pm to 11pm and tickets are £15, which includes entry, a festival glass, a festival guide, and two drinks.

On Saturday, May 10, the festival will hold its flagship day, running from 12pm to 10pm, with live music from bands such as Sweet Child, What the Pluck, The Tinders, and Last Train Smokin from 5pm.

The Dwelling Place will also be available, providing a quiet space for reflection and prayer.

Tickets for the full day are £15, which includes entry, a festival glass, a festival guide, and two drinks.

For those attending from 5pm, tickets are priced at £12, which includes live music, a festival glass, a festival guide, and the first drink.

Tickets are available now at oldtownbeerfestival.com.

The festival will close on Sunday, May 11, with a concert by the Wessex Choir and the After Eight Choir in Christ Church.

Read more: Busy Swindon roads to close after 'substandard' work

Adult ticket holders will receive free beer, cider, and snacks, with soft drinks available for purchase.

Doors will open at 6pm, with the concert running from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Tickets are £12 for adults and £6 for children.

The festival is sponsored by Broadtown Brewery and The Hop Inn, with support from Magnum Wine, GEL Studios, and other local businesses.

Christ Church is located on Cricklade Street, Swindon, SN1 3HG.