More than 200 ales are on offer as St Edmundsbury Cathedral has been transformed for the 29th East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival.

The Bury St Edmunds' cathedral's Dean, Joe Hawes, has given permission for the place of worship to host the six-day festival.

Stowmarket Mercury: Punters enjoy a drink in the courtyard of the Bury St Edmunds cathedralPunters enjoy a drink in the courtyard of the Bury St Edmunds cathedral (Image: Archant)

The event started on Wednesday and has seen dozens of punters arrive to sample the wide range of drinks that are on offer.

Stowmarket Mercury: The East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival is being held for the 29th timeThe East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival is being held for the 29th time (Image: Archant)

This includes more than 200 ales, 40 ciders, food stalls and a full entertainment programme.

Stowmarket Mercury: Hundreds of ales are available at St Edmundsbury CathedralHundreds of ales are available at St Edmundsbury Cathedral (Image: Archant)

Musical artists from across Suffolk, as well as a Beatles tribute band, have been booked to perform before the festival wraps up on Bank Holiday Monday.

Stowmarket Mercury: All proceeds from the beer festival will go to charityAll proceeds from the beer festival will go to charity (Image: Archant)

The festival opens at midday every day until Saturday, with ticket prices costing up to £22 - but entry on Sunday and Monday will be free.

Stowmarket Mercury: Festival-goers enjoy a tipple in St Edmundsbury CathedralFestival-goers enjoy a tipple in St Edmundsbury Cathedral (Image: Archant)

Organised by the West Suffolk branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), all proceeds from the festival will be donated to charity.

Stowmarket Mercury: A selection of the drinks on offer at the East Anglian Beer and Cider FestivalA selection of the drinks on offer at the East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival (Image: Archant)