IT was such a success that the organisers could not resist bringing it back.

Winchester Guildhall staged its first beer festival for a generation last year and the two-day event sold out.

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) is now selling tickets for the 2012 festival on Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17.

More than 100 real ales, ciders and perries will be on offer, along with food backed by Hampshire Fare and live music.

It comes after 2,700 ticket holders managed to vanquish around 10,000 pints between them last year.

Several Hampshire breweries will show off their latest tipples, along with others from further afield.

Local brewers at the event will include The Flowerpots Brewery in Cheriton, which is sponsoring the event.

The revival of the Winchester Beer Festival has coincided with a nationwide ale renaissance.

Sales of the brown stuff are up five per cent, and one in every six pints sold in Britain is now real ale, Camra said.

Four sessions are planned at Winchester Guildhall, starting with a preview on the Friday afternoon.

Friday evening will see live music from The Strand, followed by Denmead Brass Band on Saturday afternoon.

Closing up the festival on Saturday evening will be a live set by State of Undress.

Festival Organiser David Mackie said: “It's great to bring this well attended event back to the guildhall and to showcase some of the best ale around.

“There’s a growing interest amongst younger drinkers in cask ale and the number of women drinkers has doubled since 2008, so whether seasoned or new, why not come along and have a great time finding out more about our national drink?”

Daytime entry costs £5 or £10 for the evenings and tickets must be bought in advance.

They are available at winchesterbeerfestival.org.uk and several Winchester pubs.

They include the Hyde Tavern in Hyde Street, The Black Boy in Wharf Hill and the Fuflood Arms in Cheriton Road.

Tickets are also on sale at the Westgate Hotel in Romsey Road and the William Walker in The Square.