RESIDENTS can look forward to a weekend of sun, sport and beer as a beer festival returns this month.

Halstead Cricket Club is bringing back its annual beer festival for the 14th time.

The event returned last year and was a big hit among visitors after being cancelled in 2020.

Now the festival is set to return from August 26 to August 29.

Kicking off on the Friday, the festival blends two of the nation’s favourite pastimes – watching cricket and enjoying a beer.

Matches across the weekend will include a memorial T20 game, a Two Counties double-header, and Halstead having a crack at the North Essex Cricket League T20 Cup.

There will also be plenty of entertainment and food, along with the all important real ales and ciders, with a fully resumed post-pandemic bar service.

Callum Hansey, co-organiser of the event, said: “Halstead Cricket Club are delighted to be able to announce the return of our annual beer festival for its 14th edition

“Festivities kick off with a memorial T20 match in honour of one of Halstead’s all-time greats, Lloyd Rayner.

“This will be followed by a live performance from Colne Engaine’s own singer-songwriter, James Burrage.

“Saturday sees a Two Counties League double-header for our promotion chasing second and third XIs.

“The former welcome Stowupland and the later host Real Oddies, with live music again following the resolution of the cricket.

“Sunday offers the chance for silverware as our T20 side look to win back the North Essex Cricket League (NECL) T20 Cup as Star Stile hosts finals day.

“Halstead take on Mistley in one semi-final, with Coggeshall facing Wivenhoe in the other.

“The winners of each will then clash for the title later in the afternoon."