STOURBRIDGE swiggers have been busy with preparations for the town's annual beer festival - set for this weekend.

Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) members are hard at work in this year's venue, Stourbridge Town Hall, getting 84 beers and ciders ready for the three-day event.

In its 11th year, the festival kicks off on Thursday May 22 at 7pm and will continue for the next two days, with doors open from noon until 11pm.

Halesowen and Stourbridge CAMRA spokesman, Simon Hanson, said: "This year we have an outstanding range of beers from Windsor Castle brewery in Lye, which is the only brewery within the Halesowen and Stourbridge CAMRA area.

"We also have new high-tech cooling equipment this year to keep the beer at the optimum temperature."

The 2008 event will be dedicated to Halesowen publican Don Dykes, aged 54, who died suddenly last week.

The popular manager of the Waggon and Horses, Stourbridge Road, collapsed at the pub after suffering a stroke.

Don spent 16 years pulling pints at the award winning boozer and was a familiar figure to many CAMRA members.

Friend and colleague Bob Dummons, landlord at the pub, said Don's death left staff and regulars stunned.

Bob said: "It is obviously a great shock to everyone who knew him, he was really well-liked by everyone and had a very sharp wit."

Entrance to the festival costs £2, which includes a £1 refundable deposit on a beer festival glass, visitors a reminded to buy tokens at the entrance to be exchanged for drinks at the festival.

For more details visit www.stourbridgecamra.org.uk