Crowds flock to beer festival
HOT weather saw drinkers work up a thirst at the Stockport Beer and Cider Festival - with more than 16,000 pints sunk.
The annual event took place at Stockport County’s Edgeley Park ground from Thursday to Saturday.
During the three days 4,100 people visited and a little less than 14,000 pints of beer were drunk as well as 2,400 pints of cider.
It is the 32nd time the festival, which is organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), has taken place.
JIPA, by Manchester microbrewery Blackjack, was given the gold award for being best beer at the festival. Harry’s Scrummage was named best cider and Nempnett Piglet’s Choice best perry.
Jim Flynn, from CAMRA, said: “It went really well, people enjoyed themselves and there was a great atmosphere.
“Numbers were a little down but still very good compared to most beer festivals and a remarkable turnout for a town the size of Stockport. It was very hot, with people sitting outside. There still remains a strong appetite for the event and people also travel from some distance away.”
The event involves local brewers such as Stockport Brewing Company, Fool Hardy and Robinsons, which showcased its new Star Wars-themed beer Hoppy Wan Kenobi.
But also creations from further afield and bottled lagers as well as ciders and perries.
A further international flavour was provided by an appearance by Canadian beer writer Stephen Beaumont, author of The Pocket Beer Book, who gave two seminars.
Among the drinks available was Fullers, which is an 8.5 per cent volume bottled ale from London served on a draught pump for the first time.
Five home brew competition winners also had their beer on tap.
In total there were more than 200 different varieties of drink for visitors to chose from.
Festival goers were also kept entertained by a variety of music that included King of Rome, the Cogs, Stockport Ukulele Players and Baked A La Ska.
Money was raised for this year’s chosen charity Stockport Cerebral Palsy, although the exact amount has yet to be calculated.