It’s time to get up steam for this year’s Ale and Cider Festival at the Spa Valley Railway.

The Railway Ale and Cider Festival returns to Tunbridge Wells for its 12th year over the long weekend of October 19 to October 22.

Visitors will have more than 150 real ales and 50 ciders to choose from, plus the opportunity to travel on some fabulous steam and heritage diesel trains.

The event is centred around the Victorian Engine Shed at the Spa Valley Railway at West Station in Nevill Terrace, Tunbridge Wells.

The festival is run in association with West Kent CAMRA and with a grant from Royal Tunbridge Wells Together.

The Caledonian Railway No. 828 and the Hunslet Austerity No. 2890 'Douglas' engines will join heritage diesel Class 25 D7535 in hauling trains between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge.

There will also be live music all afternoon and food stalls including a barbecue provided by Fullers Butcher.

The beers will be available at Tunbridge Wells West, Groombridge and Eridge stations, and even on board the trains.

Jonnie Pay, commercial manager with the Spa Valley Railway, said: “This is one of the most important events for us, as it raises essential funds to keep the railway running for all to enjoy.”

New this year, there will be an exclusive preview evening on Thursday, October 19, between 6pm and 10pm, at Tunbridge Wells West, where everyone can sample the beers and ciders in the Victorian Engine Shed.

Adult entry is £5 but trains will not be operating during the preview event.

At the festival, trains will operate from 9am till 10.30pm, with the bar open from 11am.

All tickets available at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Train tickets for one day’s unlimited travel are £20 per adult, £10 per child, and £45 for a family.