AFTER months of preparation, the second annual Beer Blue and Roots Festival is finally upon us.

AFTER months of preparation, the second annual Beer Blue and Roots Festival is finally upon us.Hundreds of music fans will be heading to the village this weekend for the festival, which shares the same easy-going feel as its sister event in October, but focuses more on the acoustic side.Organiser Jim Riley said: "It's slightly expanded because a couple of people who were just going to be two singles have grown into bands. It looks like we are going to have a Lyme Regis jazz band playing in the Social Club on Sunday as part of the 'Interplay' session."There will be an opportunity for local acts to perform on the Sunday and get booked for next year's festival. It will be nice if the weather gods are good to us. They normally are."This year's show sees the debut of 'Interplay', where acts can sign up to play on the Sunday in the Social Club and, if supported by the audience, they can earn the chance to play at next year's festival.Gigs will be taking place throughout Beer as some of the October festival regulars return to take part in what has been dubbed 'Baby Beer' by Mr Riley.Robin Bibi and Tony Marten will be taking to the stage of the Mariners Hall on Friday, April 25, along with Red Jackson from 9pm until midnight. On Saturday, April 26, Tim Royce will be giving a solo show, free of charge, at The Anchor Inn, from 1.30pm. From 9pm until midnight that evening, the Mariners Hall will once more be full to the brim for performances from Champagne Charlie, Motel 6 and Sugar Beet.The Social Club will host the All Comers Jam and 'Interplay' from 1pm on Sunday, April 27, as the weekend comes to an end.Tickets are £10, £8 for concessions for the evening shows and free for the afternoon events. For more information visit www.steppinout.info.