The new-look Ipswich Beer and Beverage Festival has opened its doors to visitors heading to Maritime Ipswich over the next four days.

This year’s event is run by Ipswich Council in association with the Dove Street Inn and features the products of many East Anglian breweries, large and small.

It also has a few beers from further afield – as far away as Cornwall.

Backed by the region’s largest brewer Greene King, the festival plugs the gap after the Ipswich and East Suffolk CAMRA was unable to organise the event this year because it clashes with the Great British Beer Festival in London.

Ady Smith from the Dove Street Inn said the event was set to go well after Ipswich mayor Bill Quinton pulled the first pint.

Mr Smith said: “It is a great showcase for our beers and there’s been great support from local breweries – they’ve stepped up production to supply us and I’m sure visitors will enjoy the wide selection we have on offer until Sunday evening.”

Maritime Ipswich takes place on Ipswich Waterfront this weekend.