ORGANISERS of beer and cider festival are raising a glass to another successful shindig in Kidderminster.

Wyre Forest CAMRA’s annual Beer and Cider Festival saw more people attend and even more beverages on offer last month.

The number of beers rose to 45, together with 18 ciders and perries, local wines and a craft gin bar.

The event's new shape of souvenir festival glass sold out and £652 was raised for the chosen charity, the Alzheimer’s Society.

The first beer to run out was ‘Peace Out’ from the Brothers Of Ales who have only been brewing for a matter of months in nearby Stourport.

Festival-goers chose ‘Old Freddy Walker’ from the Moor Beer Company of Bristol as their Beer of Festival and Dark Ruby from Sarah Hughes of Sedgley was the favourite locally brewed Locale.

Festival organiser Rob Budworth said: “Moving our festival was a step into the unknown so it is with relief and exhilaration that it turned out to be such a great success.

"Attendance was up significantly and with the excellent atmosphere visitors appeared to stay longer.

"With the visitor numbers up from just over 730 last year to 930 we sold over 3,100 pints of beer, 340 pints of cider, recruited 17 new members and raised £652 for our nominated charity, Alzheimer's Society.

"Wines sales and the new gin bar were also both impressive, selling 12 bottles of wine and taking over £900 across the gin bar.

My thanks go to all the volunteers who gave up their time, and whose attitude ensured a great atmosphere.

All feedback was positive and the most common answer to ‘How did you hear about the festival?’ was ‘from a CAMRA member’. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to personally thank all members who attended and hope you enjoyed the day. It is your attendance and spreading the word that contributes to the success.”

This year’s sponsors included Kinver Brewery, the Swan Shopping Centre, Big Print Shop, Caunsall’s Anchor Inn, CMS Kidderminster and the Town Hall management team.