Plenty to cheer as beer fest goes down a treat

CHEERS . . . (from left) Dave Wilson, Lorraine Gee, Geoff Heaton and Chris Gannaway

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

TASTY tipples, music and merriment were in full flow as about 200 revellers turned out for the annual Saddleworth Beer Festival.

Now in its seventh year, the event at Uppermill Civic Hall was in full swing with an array of 20 beers and ciders to choose from.

Organiser Peter Archer said: "It was an enjoyable event. I like to see people coming in and having a good time. The most popular drink was Jaipur, followed by the Salopian Lemon Dream from Shropshire. But there were also some new brews in the barrels for people to try.

"We had a couple of good ciders ­- Badger's Spit and Happy Daze ­- they went down really well."

There were 16 real ales available with a mixture of bitters, stout and light beers, including NZPA, New Zealand Pale Ale from Hawkshead Brewery. Brewers from Greenfield and Mossley also featured, as well as a new Bradford brewery.

Support

Paul Bailey, from Springhead, said: "We arrived before the doors were open. I'm on number four at the moment but I plan on having a couple more.

"It is a great event, it is very informal and very relaxed."

For Geoff Heaton, from Middleton, and Chris Gannaway, from Chadderton, the event was one of several beer festivals they attend every year with two other friends.

Geoff said: "The four of us like trying the real ales. We're on the Cragg Vale bitter at the moment."

Chris, whose local is The Rose of Lancaster, added: "We like to get out and support the local beer festivals and it's an opportunity to do something together."

The Mayor of Mossley, Councillor Greg Brett, helped to pull the pints and helped on the door.

He said: "We have held two real ale festivals in Mossley and it is all thanks to Peter.

"We're here as our way of saying thank-you for all he has done."

Jannette Molyneux, from Dobcross, said: "I'm here having the Happy Daze cider because I don't really like beer. I wanted to come along and support the event. I came last year for the first time and wanted to come back again."

Just over £1,000 was raised at the two-day event. It will be donated to the Royal British Legion, MIND and the Saddleworth Parish Council Chairman's chosen charities.