HAMPSHIRE OctoberFest returns to Basingstoke this weekend.

This year’s event will see an expected 10,000 visitors flock to the Basingstoke Cricket and Sports Ground, in Fairfields Road over the course of the weekend to raise funds for the Wessex Heritage Trust.

The trust is a self-funding charitable organisation which assists heritage sites and cultural facilities across the region.

The action kicks off from 6pm on Friday with the adult-only ‘Works Night Out’ while the rest of the weekend will be a family affair with plenty of activities on offer to entertain visitors of all ages.

During the course of the weekend, drinkers will be able to enjoy more than 180 different beers and ciders, including a host of new beers from around the county and a number of rugby-themed beers from Hampshire.

Activities on offer throughout the weekend will include a funfair, bucking bronco, bungee jumping, kids go karts, an inflatable super slide, an assault course and over 50 food and craft stalls.

Rugby World Cup matches will shown in the Upham Tent and a number of rugby masterclasses will be held by London Irish first team players on Sunday.

Ian Smith, director of organisers at The Wessex Heritage Trust, said: “There’s a real buzz around this year’s event and we can’t wait to open the gates."