THOUSANDS of beer lovers are licking their lips at the mouthwatering prospect of Bradford Beer Festival to be held in Saltaire next month.

And this year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever before with more than 120 real ales, beers from around the world and a full range of ciders and perry on offer in the splendour of Victoria Hall.

Beer-hunter extraordinaire and "Brighton" Bill Arnold is the man charged with sourcing the best drink in Britain and beyond and has already secured kegs of such legends as "Dark Star", "Titanic" and "Dancing Duck."

"I'm the Official Beer Orderer for the 2015 Bradford Beer Festival beers and have already secured brews from Yorkshire to Yeovil, Bradford to Brighton, Liverpool to Lewes and Wigan to Wales," Mr Arnold said.

"I've really tried to reach out across the country to get the very best on offer.

"And we will also have some fabulous beers from around the world," Mr Arnold said.

The three-day festival weekend starts at 6pm on Thursday, February 26 with the drinking accompanied by bands each night including Saturday lunchtime.

Organised by the Bradford branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, proceeds from the event are poured back into the group's efforts to keep the local pub scene flourishing, Mr Arnold said.

Ticket prices vary dependent on which day, but each comes with a commemorative glass and programme.

Victoria Hall opening times

•Thursday 26: 6pm - 11pm. £3.

•Friday 27: 11.30am - 4.30pm. £3. Free to CAMRA members.

•Friday 27: 6.30pm - 11pm. £6.

•Saturday 28: 11.30am - 4.30pm. £5.

•Saturday 28: 6.30pm - 11pm. £5.

Card-carrying CAMRA members will get a free half pint except on Friday lunchtime.

More details including where to buy tickets in advance are available on the Bradford CAMRA website.

For those wishing to work up a thirst before visiting the Festival on Friday an organised 10 mile walk starting from Saltaire train station sets of at 8.30am. For details contact: Brian Campbell 01274 591864 or visit www.ldwa.org.uk/TheIrregulars