THE beer was flowing last night as the eighth annual Prince Albert Beer Festival officially kicked off its four day extravaganza.

The pub in Rodborough will have more than 40 beers, cider and real ales from around the county to choose from.

The free bank-holiday weekend festival is jam packed full of entertainment and runs until Monday May 2.

This year there is a special 'free from' section with vegan, gluten and wheat free beers.

In contrast there will also be a super strength corner where the ales will only be sold in third of a pints.

Musical entertainment tonight comes in the form of BrothersApril at 8pm, followed by The Ben and Ru TwoApril.

On Saturday Rev Shneider and the Band of AngelsApril will keep feet stamping with a mass Ukelele session with Sarah Kelly and the UkeCan Gang.

Jazz music will be playing all day on Saturday. And finishing off on May Day, Stroud Gloucester Vinyl Connection Record will be spinning some records from 4pm onwards.

There is also a haiku / limerick competition. Rodborough resident and author Katie Fforde is the patron of the competition.

Winners will be announced at the pub on April 29 at 7pm with a photo opportunity.

Prizes will include a copy of the winning poem printed on a t-shirt and tokens to sample top beers at the festival.

For more information please visit www.theprincealbertstroud.co.uk/