BEER fans flocked to a popular festival in Kidderminster earlier this month which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

Wyre Forest CAMRA has declared its Kidderminster Beer and Cider Festival 2021 a resounding success with only 5 per cent of its 378 gallons of beer left at the end.

The first cask ale to run out was Creme Bearlee from Beartown Brewery of Congleton in Cheshire, closely followed by Loudmouth, from Brothers of Ales of Stourport-on-Severn, the first ever appearance of a craft ale.

Festival-goers voted their Beer and Cider favourites as Vanilla Sky Stout from Green Duck Brewery of Lye and Gwatkin’s Oldfields Perry from Abbey Dore, Herefordshire.

50 volunteers gifted 1,000 hours of their time to ensure that the 900 plus visitors enjoyed the event, which was hosted at Kidderminster Town Hall.

As well as a great range of beers, ciders, wines and a Gin Bar, there was catering by Fat Eddie’s Smokehouse and entertainment from The Follicles and The Faithful City Morris Men.

This year’s chosen local charity was HELP, working for the prevention or relief of poverty amongst homeless persons, those at risk of homelessness and in financial need by the provision a drop-in centre and other facilities and services.

Visitors were excited to be able to enjoy beers and ciders in convivial company again after such a long absence.

When asked what they enjoyed most, they said “it’s brilliant to meet with other festival-goers and friends, socialise, enjoy the atmosphere and try a far greater range of beer styles than is usually possible anywhere else”.

Many said they come back year after year and that “being without festival left a hole and we’re so glad it’s back”.