A BEER festival will return to Runnymede Hall after a break of more than 20 years.

Castle Point Council used to organise an annual beer festival at the hall, behind its offices in Kiln Road, Thundersley. The tradition came to an end two decades ago due to budget cuts.

Mayor Steven Cole decided to resurrect the festival. More than 20 different ales will be available to sample when the event returns to the hall on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11.

He said: “People were saying they wanted to see the beer festival again.

“Real ale festivals are getting really popular and people enjoy them.

“They are lovely events so I decided to set one up.”

Mr Cole has paid for the hire of the hall, the staff and everything else needed to make the event a success. He is hoping to recoup his costs - with any profits going to his chosen charities.

He added: “We need about 1,300 people to cover all the costs.

“I have chosen quite a few charities that I know of locally and the money made will be going to these..

“There are charities for dementia sufferers, cancer sufferers, young carers and many more.

“I am hoping we will get closer to 2,000 people.

“The more people that come, the more money we can raise. The more money we raise, the more that can go to charity and help people in the community.”

Mr Cole said the event will cater for the whole family. There will be live entertainment and food available.

He added: “Beer festivals are always good fun.

“There will be a bouncy castle so parents can come and have a few drinks while the children have a bounce and a burger.

“The bar will also be open so people can get soft drinks, too.”

He explained that with its budget being slashed, Castle Point Council could no longer afford to host the festival. Members of the community who did not drink alcohol also opposed council funds being spent on the event.

Mr Cole has been supported in the endeavour by Affinity Restaurant, in London Road, Leigh, which has helped organise the selection beer and bands to perform.

The 20 types of beer on offer will all be locally sourced from Essex.

There will also be refreshments including a hog roast and live entertainment on Saturday.

Bands that are scheduled to play include the Harmony Sisters from 1pm until 3pm, Chris Robinson from 3pm until 5pm, JB and Brown from 5pm until 6pm and covers band Coast from 7pm until 10.30pm.

The bouncy castle will be at the hall from noon until 4pm.

Entrance is £3, which includes the cost of the beer glass.

The festival will be open between 4pm and midnight on Friday and from noon until midnight on Saturday.

For more information, call Mr Cole on 07717154360.