Real ale lovers and history fans are joining forces to cross the moat of a Napoleonic-era castle for the fifth annual Redoubt Fort Beer Festival in Harwich.

East Anglian Daily Times: Harwich Town Brewery Beer Festival at the Redoubt Fort.Harwich Town Brewery Beer Festival at the Redoubt Fort.

The Harwich Town Brewing Company hosts the festival within the walls of the early 19th Century fort, built to counter an invasion threat by the French military leader.

A wide range of ales, ciders and perries are on tap for people to try at the festival, which began this morning and is open from 11am until 11am tomorrow and Saturday.

Among the specialities on offer at this year’s festival are Belgian fruit beers and a selection of American beers.

Paul Mellor, owner of the Harwich Town Brewing Company, said: “It is a fantastic surrounding and everything is set up.

East Anglian Daily Times: Harwich Town Brewery Beer Festival at the Redoubt Fort. Paul Mellor and john GowHarwich Town Brewery Beer Festival at the Redoubt Fort. Paul Mellor and john Gow

“It takes some doing to get the beer hoisted up into the fort and there are plenty of strained muscles and sore arms among us but it is all worthwhile.

“We just need people to come along and drink now, and there is plenty of undercover seating if it rains too.

“I particularly like the cherry beer, as well as the Coggeshall Beast a 6.66% beer made especially for the brewer’s 500th brew.”

The fort is being restored and cared for by the Harwich Society.

Admission is £3 and the museum exhibits are open until 5pm.