MORE than 25 beers will be on tap at a forthcoming real ale festival.

Free live music and bar games will also feature at the event at Richmond market hall, in North Yorkshire, from next Friday to Sunday, October 16.

The festival, themed on the animal kingdom, is being organised by Camra, the Campaign for Real Ale.

Nearly all the ales on offer will be named after animals.

"We'll have the widest range of beers on tap all together at the same session to be found anywhere in the area," said Vince Rutland, of the organising committee.

"There will be pale beer, dark beer, bitters, milds and strong ales, as well as traditional cider.

Traditional music will feature on the Friday night. Rock, blues and soul will be performed on the Saturday night. On Sunday afternoon, people can make their own beer-bread, using the ale of their choice.

The festival is open from 5pm to 11pm on Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 6pm on Sunday. Admission is free.