FIFTY different ales and an eclectic line up of bands are promised at a popular beer and music festival.

Darlington Arts Centre, the R'n'B Club and the towns branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, are joining forces for Darlington's 28th Beer and Music festival from Thursday to Sunday, September 13 to 16.

There will be 50 British real ales from independent family and micro breweries.

And to commemorate its 25th anniversary, Darlington CAMRA will give pride of place to beers from breweries which were founded in the year 1982.

There will also be traditional farmhouse ciders and classic imported bottled beers and lagers.

Kicking off the musical entertainment on Thursday, September 13, at 8pm, is The Revolutionaires.

On Friday, September 14, 8pm, Ray Stubbs R'n'B Allstars will entertain the crowds.

The afternoon of Saturday, September 15, sees the return of the popular Copperhead Still, and then The Roach Twins Band on Saturday night.

Sunday, September 16, will see a variety of music, live and free, in the Market Square.

Scehduled acts include The Peter Donegan Band, The Sean Webster Band, Memo Gonzales and the Bluescasters and Chris Farlowe plus Norman Beaker Band.

Live music will also take place in town centre pubs The Hole In The Wall, The Quaker House, The Pennyweight, and The Dolphin Centre.