CIDER and ale drinkers turned out in their thousands to Warwick Racecourse at the weekend.
With a huge choice of 40 real ales and 30 ciders the sunshine also made an appearance, making this year’s Beer and Cider Festival the most successful yet.
Over the weekend, 2000 thirsty people visited the racecourse, double the number organisers had expected.
The festival was hosted by Warwick Court Leet who have been tasting the towns ale since 1554 and this year saw a complete sell out of over 3500 pints of beer and 1500 pints of cider.
To compliment the variety at the bar, 22 musical acts took to the stage in the beer tent. Friday evening saw Martin Martel, Kate McAuley, Lawless Luke, Amy Jones, Lew Bear, The Sons of Men, Jack Hopkinson and Joe Dolman entertain drinkers. Saturday afternoon and evening were hosted by Christiano Gilletti, Jon & Jon, Laura Bate, Taylor-Louise Thomas, Thom Kirkpatrick, South Town, Chris Jones, Matthew Coles, Malc Evans, Any Power, David John, Andi Wolf and Rosetta Fire. Flamenco guitarist, Matthew Hernandez also featured on both days of the festival.
Organiser, Alan Lettis commented that at one point there were no less than 20 of the volunteer team manning the bar on Friday evening, working tirelessly to satisfy the thirst of the punters. And was also grateful to Huw Williams of Warwick Racecourse for playing host to the event.
He said to the Observer: “The success of the event is down to the 40 volunteers who manned the festival over the two days, the generosity of the people who attended, the fabulous musicians who entertained us and Warwick Racecourse for allowing us to use their marvelous facilities. Thank you Warwick. #Looking after your ale since 1554.”
All profits made will be donated to Warwickshire charities, including the Myton Hospice. It is hoped that in excess of £8000 has been raised.
