DUDLEY Canal Trust is hoping to make a real splash when it holds its first ever real ale and cider festival later this month.

The festival will be held at its site by the Dudley Tunnel at Todd’s End, off the Birmingham New Road, from Thursday June 27 to Saturday June 29.

Drinkers will be able to sample more than 30 beers, including a selection from Essex and East Anglia - not usually seen in the area, as well as some from closer by.

There will also be ciders and English wines.

June Hodgetts, of Dudley Canal Trust, said: “Real ale and canals seem naturally to go together, particularly here in the Black Country so we are really excited about our first ever real ale festival.

“We have beers from Essex and East Anglia which wouldn’t normally be sold in the Midlands and there will also be canal boat trips.

“It’s partly a fundraising event, but also it is a bunch of real ale lovers putting on a festival for like minded people.”

There will be a variety of hot and cold food available as well as soft drinks.

The festival, entry for which is just £1, will run from 6pm to 11pm on Thursday June 27 and from 11am to 11pm on Friday June 28 and Saturday June 29.

Meanwhile - a production of Sweeney Todd will be staged by Lordswood High School's theatre group in the trust's cabins, on the evening of Thursday June 27, with tickets priced at £10.

For more details on the festival or the show call Dudley Canal Trust on 0121 557 6265.