EXCITEMENT is building as Dorchester's Round Table prepares to host its first ever Cider Festival this weekend.

Plans are being finalised for the event on Saturday at the town's Borough Gardens, which runs from 3pm to 10pm.

Entry is free and organisers are promising an exciting mix of local ciders, food and music.

Neil Corbett from the Dorchester Round Table said: "A hand-picked list of coveted local cider producers was drawn up with the help of the Mill House Cider Museum in Owermoigne and West Milton Cider Company and we were really pleased with the enthusiasm we’ve seen for the new festival from producers, sponsors and festival goers alike."

There will be a host of individual producers selling ciders from their pitches at what promises to be a friendly and informative event with a family atmosphere.

As well as more than 60 different ciders, there will also be ale, Pimms and Prosecco on offer.

Among the local ciders featuring at the festival are Lulworth Skipper, Dorset Nectar, Cranborne Chase, West Mildon, Sandford Orchards, Twisted and the Weymouth Cider Company.

Martin Inwood, from Lulworth Skipper, said: "I am very pleased to be associated with the first Dorchester Cider Festival, it promises to be the best organised event of the year, giving us the opportunity promote one of Dorset’s best products."

Andrew Pitcher, from the Weymouth Cider Company, said: "We are delighted to be involved in the first year of the festival, and we are looking forward to showcasing our products, including our popular Leg Wobbler cider."

The Round Table has also been keen to put on a wide array of food for festival goers to enjoy with a hog roasts, crepes, wood fired pizza, cakes, barbecue, cheeses and much more on the menu.

Musical acts featuring on The Perry Platform will include local folk favourites The Lanterns and Dorset Wrecks, who will be performing rousing sea shanties thanks to support from Seasalt Clothing in Dorchester.

There will also be country music from Dexeter, presented by Think Country as well as performances from the Stompin' Dave Allen Trio and cider folk rock specialists Mick O'Toole, whose performance is being supported by Sam Scaffolding.

There will be plenty for children to enjoy with a bouncy castle and Magical Mayhem entertainment.

All proceeds raise from the event will go towards local causes supported by the Dorchester Round Table.