THE Campaign for Real Ale(CAMRA) has cancelled its annual beer festival because of a row over admission prices.

But the Museum of Kent Life, Sandling, where the festival has taken place for 21 years, will run its own event instead.

CAMRA hopes to be back next year with a beer festival in a new venue in the Maidstone area.

Jeff Tucker, Maidstone and Mid Kent branch chairman, said: "Last year the price was £7, and at this price we were receiving complaints. The problem with this year was they weren’t willing to tell us the price to the public, despite many requests. We wanted the price set at a level which would not deter beer drinkers from attending. It only costs about £6 to attend our national festival."

A museum spokesman confirmed that the museum would host the official Maidstone Beer and Hop Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7.

Prices for the event weekend are: Adults £8.50, children £6.20, concessions £7, although you can save £1 off all entrance prices by booking with the Maidstone Tourist Information Centre on 01622 602169.