THE FRIENDS of Newport Rugby Trust annual beer festival is returning to Rodney Parade for a fifth year – and will coincide with a County fixture for the first time.

The Trust have opted to hail the ale on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22 to maximise revenue.

The popular event on the training pitch north of the stadium will coincide with Newport Gwent Dragons’ pre-season fixture against the Scarlets and the Exiles’ League Two clash with Leyton Orient.

There will be real ale and cider on offer while there will also be live music and a marquee. Entry to the festival is free and open to those that are not attending the fixtures.

The event has previously been held on weekends that feature Dragons and Black and Ambers rugby fixtures but the hope is that an Exiles fixture should boost the coffers.

FoNR, who have raised more than £250,000 since starting 10 years ago, give financial support to rugby improvements at Rodney Parade and community initiatives, including the academy at Newport High School and sponsoring age-grade and youth teams in the city.