Beer festivals are one of the nation's favourite summer activities. 

Whether it is in the glorious sunshine or a washout with rain, people head to their local pubs or drinking spots to take in vast selections of ales and lager.

While we hope the rain stays away, here are five of the best beer festivals in Suffolk to look forward to this summer.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Beer Festival is back again this summerIpswich Beer Festival is back again this summer (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Beer & Cider Festival

Head down to St Clements Church in Ipswich this summer and savour the atmosphere of the 33rd Ipswich Beer and Cider Festival. 

Running from July 27 until July 30, the popular festival, hosted by CAMRA and Briarbank Brewery, will have a range of beers from local and national brewers. 

You will also be saved from any chance of bad weather, as the festival is entirely indoors.

Where: Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1JZ

When: Thursday, July 27 to Sunday, July 30

East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival 

Is there a more beautiful place for a beer festival than in the grounds of a cathedral? 

The 31st festival East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival, and the third in the grounds of St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds, will be taking place over six days in August.

More than 250 beers and 40 different ciders will be on tap for you to sample, with several musical acts also due to perform.

Where: Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1LS

When: Wednesday, August 23 to Monday, August 28

East Anglian Daily Times: The Festival of Beer and Brewing is now in it 26th yearThe Festival of Beer and Brewing is now in it 26th year (Image: The Food Museum)

Festival of Beer and Brewing, Stowmarket

From the grounds of a cathedral to the grounds of a museum, there is always a unique beer festival in Suffolk.

Now in its 26th year, Stowmarket's Food Museum beer festival offers a range of craft beers, lagers and ales. 

Tickets for a session cost £4, or £8 for the entire festival. 

Where: Iliffe Way, Stowmarket, IP14 1SL 

When: Thursday, June 29 to Sunday, July 2

 

Woodbridge Rugby Club Beer Festival, Bromeswell

The Woodbridge Rugby Club Beer Festival will have more than 30 real ales and ciders this year. 

The festival, organised by volunteers, will also have food trucks and live music across the weekend of Friday, May 19.

Tickets for the events are priced at £10 for adults.

Where: Hatchley Barn, Orford Road, Bromeswell, IP12 2PP

When: Friday, May 19 to Saturday, May 20

East Anglian Daily Times: Sproughton Beer Festival is returning this year Sproughton Beer Festival is returning this year (Image: Tracy Booth)

Sproughton Beer Festival, Sproughton

Beer enthusiasts will have to quell any superstitions as the 13th beer festival in Sproughton kicks off on May 13.

With 20 different beers to try that are all priced at £4 per pint, as well as hot food, live music and a gin bar, Sproughton Beer Festival will certainly attract plenty of people in the May sunshine. 

Where: Tithe Barn Community Centre, Lower Street, IP8 3AA

When: Saturday, May 13 to Sunday, May 14