Walsall beer festival marking 30 years and a new venue

Scores of drinkers raised a glass on the first night of Walsall's annual beer festival — which is celebrating its 30th anniversary and a new location.

The Real Ale and Cider Festival launched at Walsall College last night.

There were 120 cask ales, 40 traditional ciders and 29 bottled beers on offer from around the world. The festival runs until tomorrow at the college's Wisemore Campus, in Littleton Street West, and marks the 40th anniversary of the Walsall branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

It was previously held at Walsall Town Hall for 15 years but the venue was switched after organisers said they could no longer afford the rent.

Organiser Graham Billington said: "Last year we got about 3,500 people. It's a new venue so we weren't sure how many people we would get. It always gets busier on a Friday. There's lots of different ales, beers and cider here for everyone's tastes."

Samples of chocolate, with flavours including chilli and black pepper, were also being handed out.

Teaching assistant Natalie Pike, aged 23, of Heathfield Lane West, Darlaston, said: "The festival is brilliant. There's some brewers here that I didn't even know existed. The black pepper chocolate I tried really went well with the stout."

Adam Powell, father. John Powell, and sister Emma Skett, all from Wednesbury, had a family sampling session.

Carpenter and father-of-one David Westwood, 48, of Parker Street, Bloxwich, added: "I always look forward to the festival. I've really enjoyed the Russian imperial stout which I had for the first time tonight.

"I thought the town hall was cosier but it makes a change to be able to sit down." A new ale made at Kinver Brewery to celebrate the Royal Wedding on April 29 was also being showcased at the festival.

The festival will run from 11am until 3pm and 5.30pm to 11pm today and tomorrow. Admission is £1 for lunch times and £4 in the evenings.