Walsall welcomes 34th beer festival
Hundreds of ale and cider drinkers have been enjoying a tipple or two at Walsall's 34th annual beer festival which comes to a close today.
The popular drinks festival organised by the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) started on Thursday.
By the end of its three day run, more than 3,000 people are expected to have descended on the town hall for the beer bonanza.
More than 110 different varieties of ale are on offer this year and around 30 ciders.
As well as a large selection of continental drinks. the event prides itself on showcasing locally produced ales including Shrewsbury's Salopian Brewery as well as Backyard Brewhouse and Beowulf Brewery both from Brownhills.
And it was one of the Beowulf's unique ales, which Walsall Mayor Peter Smith got his hands on first.
"I am more of a cider drinker myself but this tastes good," he said. "There is so much variety of beers here it should quench the thirst of the population of Walsall."
The festival was an extra special occasion for visitor Charlotte Hodson from Blakenall Heath, Walsall, who celebrated her 27th birthday on the opening day of the event on Thursday.
She said: "I came here last year and I have been to a couple of the other festivals but I like the Walsall one because it is seems very welcoming and nice here.
"It is the ideal way to spend my birthday."
The Walsall CAMRA group have been preparing since November for the festival and the event is organised, run and maintained entirely by volunteers.
Branch secretary April Reece added: "They do it because they love it. It is just a great atmosphere in the town hall. "Everyone looks forward to coming here."
Councillor Smith added: "It is great to see so much variety here at the festival and it is a welcome change from stacks and stacks of cheap lager on supermarket shelves."
Did you attend? Send us your pictures of the event to Star Witness via the form below for you chance to win £100.
