RECORD numbers are expected at a Lake District village's tenth annual beer festival next month.

Tweedies Bar and Dale Lodge Hotel are gearing up to host The Grasmere Guzzler.

Laura Moss, the weddings and events co-ordinator at the hotel, said that she hoped this year would see a repeat of last year's success.

"It's just getting bigger and bigger really," she said. "Last year was amazing. We had beautiful weather and everyone was all out in the garden and we had a real festival vibe."

Laura said that last year saw some 5,000 people attend the event over the weekend and that she would like to see similar figures this year.

This year's attendees can expect more than 100 craft ales and ciders to be on offer, almost 30 musical acts and other forms of entertainment - including a fire performance.

Alex Goodall, Tweedies director, explained that the festival was becoming more of a family event each year.

"We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors to this years Grasmere Guzzler which is set to be the best ever," he said. "This event is one of a kind and has grown a steady fan base over the past ten years, with visitors coming from all over the country and more and more families attending."

Craft beer and ale has seen an increase in popularity over the past few years, with enthusiasts seeking to try new flavours as well as brew their own.

"I think it offers people something a bit different," Laura said. "Craft keg beer just tastes a lot better than any boring lager. You can do so much more with it, flavour wise. You can pair it with food - it's more like wine in a way."

Breweries included in the event are The Hop Studio, Seven Brothers, First Chop, Squawk, Fyne Ales, Ilkley Brewery and Hawkshead Brewery.

Forming part of the musical line up is Room Full of Mirrors, Righteous Bees, The Groove Cutters, The Hey Down Traders and Mission To The Watchers.

The event takes place between September 2-4. For further information about the Grasmere Guzzler Beer Festival, visit www.dalelodgehotel.co.uk/grasmere-guzzler-festival or call 015394 35300.