A CROC-LOAD of Sedgemoor cider and 112 beers will be available for a flurry of ale aficionados to sample at this weekend’s Newt Beer Fest.

Organiser Frank Clegg spoke to the County Gazette from the North Newton fields that will play home to its 23rd festival on Friday and Saturday, from 6pm on Friday until 1am, re-opening at noon on Saturday until 1am on Sunday.

The proceeds will be poured back into North Newton Community Primary School.

“The marquee’s up, the bar has arrived, and we’ll be getting the barrel rack up on Tuesday night,” he says.

“We’ve 112 ales and lots of different ciders this year, including the much-loved Richs, Sheppy’s and Westons.

“Then two new ones – Uncle Dick’s cider, from Wembdon near Bridgwater, which is out of this world.

“The other is from another small company in Honiton called Norcotts Cider, who do flavoured ciders, from elderberry to raspberry and orange.”

Then there’s the music. Comic actor Ade Edmondson joins fellow folk-punk players as Saturday’s headliners, The Bad Shepherds.

Frank adds: “We’ve got some really fun bands playing. Rocking tribute band The Glambusters, who play top 5 UK hits from the likes of Sweet, Slade and David Bowie.

“There’s the Shamones, a punk tribute band for the Ramones, The Skimmity Hitchers, Cornish seven-piece reggae band Kernow Vibrations, then Slapface and The Hoagies, who play skiffle.”

And the forecast looks good too: “Festival weather for a good weekend!” says Frank.

TICKETS cost £40 for the weekend, £20 for Friday, £25 for Saturday, and £10 for camping.

Buy yours on the gate, or from Blackcat Records or Durston Elms Garage in Taunton, or Strings ‘n’ Things in Bridgwater.