Beer and ale lovers in Ipswich will be raising a pint in celebration this year as the town is hosting six different beer festivals between April and the end of the year.

Ipswich Star: The 2017 beer festivals follow from the success of the Saints Beer festival and Winter Beer festival in Ipswich last year. Picture: Dario VitelliniThe 2017 beer festivals follow from the success of the Saints Beer festival and Winter Beer festival in Ipswich last year. Picture: Dario Vitellini (Image: Archant)

The latest to join this year’s healthy line-up is the town’s first Beer and Folk Fest being held on April 28 and 29 at St Peter’s by the Waterfront.

The event is organised by Ipswich-based brewery Beer&Co, which will also be involved in the other festivals this year.

Greg Cooper from the firm said: “We started Beer&Co with the intention of creating local beer festivals - largely because we have always enjoyed visiting them ourselves - and thought that other people would also like to attend more of these types of events in Suffolk.

“Drinkers are certainly becoming more discerning and knowledgeable following an explosion in craft-brewed beer across the UK - and our festivals aim to provide a tasting extravaganza to meet this demand, with a wide range of real ale and beer from a diverse range of brewers - including some of the region’s best micro-breweries.

Ipswich Star: Beer&Co Waterfront Beer Festival at St Peters by the Waterfront in Ipswich in 2016. Picture: Lucy TaylorBeer&Co Waterfront Beer Festival at St Peters by the Waterfront in Ipswich in 2016. Picture: Lucy Taylor

“We also try to mix the tasting experience up a bit with a variety of real cider, wines from across the world provide by ahead4wine and the best of European bottled beers.”

Other events include:

• Beer and Wine Festival in Kesgrave to be confirmed for July

• Maritime Beer Festival at Ipswich Waterfront - August 18 to 20

• Oktoberfest at St Peter’s by the Waterfront - September 15 and 16

• Beer and Blues Fest - October 20 and 21

• Winter Beer and Wine Fest at St Peter’s by the Waterfront - December 30 and 31

For next month’s Beer and Folk Fest, a host of top folk acts have been lined up, including BBC Radio 2 Folk awards best newcomer in 2010 Sam Carter, and Charlie Dore and Julian Littman will also be playing.

Local artists Honey & the Bear, Holly Johnston and Elly Tree Trio will also be performing across the festival.

Mr Cooper said that open-mic music, pop-up music shop and Suffolk street food will add to the festival experience.

He added: “We are sure everyone will have a fantastic experience when they visit this stunning venue, and I’m sure this festival will become a regular folk fixture for years to come.”

For more information and tickets on the Beer and Folk Fest see here.