Two related, but intrinsically separate, music and drinks festivals will no doubt add colour, sounds and a few sore heads when they return to two beautiful settings in different corners of London this summer. Essentially both festivals will feature a mixture of artists playing jazz, blues, rock and other genres, accompanied by a parallel beer, cider and ale extravaganza that will help you forget about your worries and your strife in no uncertain terms. With over 150 world lagers, stouts, bitters and milds all on sale, one thing is for sure - if the music doesn't move you, the drink will. Oh and they both last a full 5 days!

The first is set in the glorious grounds of the Royal Naval College in Greenwich and will take place from Wednesday 8th July to Sunday 12th July while the second event occupies a large part of beautiful Hampton Court from Thursday 27th August to Monday 31st August. You will note that there is a good 6 weeks between each festival to allow the more discerning gluggers to recover - nice touch organizers!! And to ensure that both festivals are topped-up with the very best in real ales and ciders, CAMRA are sponsoring the events. If you want supermarket 'laarger' you won't find it here but you may find a chemical-free alternative to savour and enjoy. The musical entertainment will come from Courtney Pine, RB Funkestra, Jandira Silva, Jezebel Sextet, Jonny Boston, James Taylor Quartet, Manteca, Chicago Blues Brothers and Los Albertos - day-by-day lineup TBA.

Tickets will be on sale this Friday (May 1st) at 10AM and will be priced from £6 up to £12.50.

The Greenwich venue is accessible from Maze Hill BR or Cutty Sark DLR - there are also numerous decent pubs around the centre of Greenwich itself and some stunning landmarks to boot. Hampton Court is served by a BR station although this will be very busy. Alternatively, weather permitting and consciousness maintained, a stroll through Bushy Park to Kingston or Teddington is always rather civilized.