Ross-on-Wye’s own Beer and Cider Festival is returning this early May Bank Holiday. Based at Ross Rowing Club, and known as Rossbeerfest, the event opens at midday on Saturday, May 5th and runs on both the Saturday and Sunday of the weekend.

There is a good mixture of indoors and outdoors so when the sun is shining the tables outside by the river are inviting while in the cooler evening the large tented ‘beerhall’ will have heating to help keep the chill away.

Featuring locally brewed beers and ciders, the ever-favourite fruit ciders will return too, together with many new beers to suit all tastes. Craft lager has proved popular so it is hoped to have some of those on tap. Add to that the glittery Prosecco Bar and there is a large range of drinks to try once again. And just to make things perfect there will be the very popular ‘posh’ toilets too!

The outdoor enclosure will be the place to listen to the full programme of bands and musicians on both days. Headline bands on Saturday evening will be Crockers Ash Scratch Band and on Sunday the Ross duo The Alcohoustics will create a fitting finale.

Also playing throughout the days will be The Forfeits, Duncan Mccorkindale, Puffer, Conspiracy of Kings, O.C.D., Too Many Tuesdays, the 49’ers and Jack Morgan. All musicians are listed on the website at www.rossbeerfest.org with links to their sites and also on the Rossbeerfest Facebook page.

Food will be available and members of the Rowing Club will be providing this, aiming to raise funds for their sport and activities. They also provide camping facilities in their adjoining fields which can be booked online at:

Tickets for a day have been held at the cost of £5 each which not only provides entry but also a free beer glass and beer guide. Sessions run from 12 noon – 11pm on Saturday and 12 noon – 10pm on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online at www.rossbeerfest.org and from other outlets including festival main sponsor, Miles Morgan Travel in the centre of Ross.

The Rossbeerfest is a charity event, organised jointly by Ross on Wye Lions and Rotary Clubs with the support of many local volunteers and for the benefit of the local community. They love their jovial suggestion “drink beer or cider (or prosecco) for charity!”.See this week's Ross Gazette for your chance to win tickets to the Rossbeerfest