Ale lovers flock to annual festival

11:40am Friday 29th August 2008

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MORE than 1,000 ale lovers enjoyed beer on tap at this year’s 10th annual Bewdley Beer Festival.

Thirsty revellers packed St George’s Hall every night during the four-day event and kept glasses filled with 47 real ales from across the country.

They were also treated to a free half pint of beer to celebrate the event’s anniversary.

Two of the most popular choices were Junior School bitter and Old School bitter, both from the recently opened Bewdley Brewery and brewed by festival organiser, Tim Wilkins.

During the event, on Friday last week, John Wright, festival organiser, said the two local beers had sold the quickest and that they had “virtually” sold out of them.

He added that Lemon Dream, a wheat beer brewed with fresh lemons, was also a favourite.

Entertainment was provided by the Lounge Room Lizards, who played live acoustic music and easy listening covers, on Thursday night.

The Bev Pegg band played songs from the 1950s, 60s and 70s on Friday, while blues man Gwen Ashton appeared on Saturday.

Mr Wright said: “The event was very successful. We sold virtually all of the beer and the bands were very well received.

“We have got to a level now where people come and they know how good it’s going to be.”

He explained that the 21 ciders and perrys from Worcestershire and Herefordshire also sold well.