Some of the breweries and beers that appeared at the first Loughborough Beer Festival 43 years ago are still around today... but few of them would make it onto the lineup for a beer event in this day and age.

Back then real ale was something of a rarity, but the industry has moved on so much in 43 years that today the choice is vast... with many more breweries starting up all the time.

In 2019, at one of the longest-running beer festivals in the country, there will be around 60 different real ales available, including many from within a 30-mile radius of Loughborough.

Taking place at the Polish Club, Truelovers Walk, from 7-9 March, the festival will also boast a large selection of stouts and porters, plus an extensive range of ciders and perries.

Entry is free on Thursday, £1 until 6pm on Friday and Saturday, and £2 after 6pm. CAMRA and University Real Ale Society members will be granted free entry to all sessions.

Proceeds from fund-raising at the festival will go to the Rainbows Children's Hospice in Loughborough, with a big red donations bucket at the entrance and a tombola on Saturday afternoon.

For more information about Loughborough Beer Festival visit the Loughborough and North Leicestershire CAMRA website.