This weekend revellers will be raising a glass once again as popular event, Wykefest returns.

The three-day real ale and cider festival, held at the Wyke Smugglers in Weymouth, kicks off at 12pm today.

Organiser and pub landlord, Rhos Thompson said this year's festival was set to be bigger and better than ever before.

Guests will be able to enjoy 26 real ales and 16 ciders - all from breweries located in the south west.

Mr Thompson said: "All the real ales are from brewers I know personally and have become friends with and breweries I have worked with and visited - from Wiltshire down to St Ives.

"I wanted it to have a family feel - that's really the theme for this year."

Once again the festival will be raising funds for a local charity - M.V. Freedom, which provides an opportunity for people with disabilities, the elderly and young people to experience a trip to sea.

The festival is sponsored by Dorset Brewing Company and the brewery's award-winning dark wheat beer, Jurassic Dark, will be making a special appearance at the event.

As well as sampling pints, festival goers can enjoy music from 9pm from the Glass Spiders in Friday and Tequila Mockingbird of Saturday.

On Sunday there will also be a family fun day held in Wyke Gardens next to the pub which will have a whole host of amusements and activities to entertain the kids.

The festival will be manned by representatives from the West Dorset branch of the Campaign of Real Ale (CAMRA), who will be on hand to dish out ale expertise, and crew from the MV Freedom.

Mr Thompson urged people to enjoy the event - but take public transport.

"As with every festival I want everyone to have a good time. I'm very fortunate that I've got two bus stops either side of the pub so there is no need to bring a car," he said.

He added there were still spaces for advertising and barrel sponsorship and anyone interested should contact the Wyke Smugglers on 01305 760 010.

The pub is served by the number one First bus service which runs from the King's Statue in Weymouth to Wyke Regis and Portland via Chiswell, Fortuneswell, Easton, Weston and Southwell.

The festival kicks off when the pub opens at midday today and goes through until Sunday 5pm.