THE organisers of a Basingstoke beer festival have unveiled the event’s new headline sponsor.

Upham Brewery is supporting Hampshire OctoberFest, which takes place from October 3-5 at Basingstoke Cricket and Sports Ground, in Bounty Road, Fairfields.

The brewery, based in Bishop’s Waltham, near Winchester, will |host one of the two marquees at |the weekend. Its tent will contain a bucking bronco challenge and live music.

Guests will also be able to sample Upham’s three staple ales – Tipster, Punter and Sprinter, the brewery’s summer ale.

Faye Pain, sales and trade marketing manager at Upham Brewery, said: “Hampshire OctoberFest is firmly established as one of the must-attend events in the county for any fan of food and drink or music.

The festival starts at 6pm on Friday, October 3, with an adults-only Work’s Night Out. Saturday and Sunday will be more of a family affair, with attractions including a funfair, a petting zoo, a snowboard simulator and kids’ go-karts.

Basingstoke Half-Marathon runners will get free entry after their run on Sunday if they show their medal.