REAL ale lovers can indulge their passion by sampling hundreds of British draught beers, traditional ciders as well as German and Belgian brews at Ipswich’s 30th annual beer festival.

The event opened today - its second year at the Waterfront - and organisers are set to welcome the crowds as this weekend’s Maritime Festival gets under way.

There are more than 180 beers and ciders on tap.

Organiser and CAMRA’s Suffolk area organiser Nigel Smith told the Star: “It looks set to be a great turnout this weekend.

“This year is our 30th festival and we are very excited to be on the old dockside.

“It promises to be another massive weekend event for the town with lots of fun for all of the family.

“We’re really pleased to be part of Maritime Ipswich and our organisers have worked hard to bring a wide variety of beers and ciders for people to enjoy.”

Over the weekend the Waterfront will come alive, with visiting vessels, historical re-enactments, a firework display and street entertainers.

Three markets - the Maritime Market, the Food and Drink of Ipswich event and the St Peter’s Street Weekender - will draw the crowds to enjoy the best of local produce.

Speaking at the opening, councillor Carole Jones, economic development and planning portfolio holder for Ipswich Borough Council, said: “We’ve had a fantastic summer so far, perhaps not weather wise but certainly event wise! Maritime Ipswich and the Beer Festival look set to continue this trend and it’s shaping up to be a action-packed weekend.”

Paul Clement, chief executive of Ipswich Central, added: “Maritime Ipswich was so well received last year, and making it even bigger and better for 2012 has been our priority.”