ORGANISERS of Worcester's seventh beer and cider festival are raising their glasses to another successful year - with thousands flocking to the event, making it the best yet.

Despite poor weather, a total of 7,500 people attended the festival on the city's racecourse between Thursday and Saturday, with Bill Ottaway of organisers Camra saying attendance was up 25 per cent on last year.

Drinkers were spoilt for choice, with a total of 250 real ales and 100 ciders and perries, fruit wines, grape wines and several apple juices on sale.

Various bands also entertained the crowds throughout, while there were also several food stalls.

The big-hitters of the event were the Champion Beer of the Festival - St Peter's Organic Best - and the runner-up Goff's White Knight - both of which sold out early on.

The ciders and perries also went down a treat with drinkers, with the organisers having to go and buy more from the local farms.

And organisers proclaimed Friday evening as the peak moment of the event, with 500 queuing to get in at one point while 2,400 people were inside.

One of the main dilemmas facing Camra was how much beer to get in but Mr Ottaway said he thought they had got it about right this year, with 95 per cent of the alcohol ordered in being consumed.

By the end of the event on Saturday evening, there were still 78 of the 250 beers on sale.

Preparations began about three months ago for next year's festival, with organisers already wondering whether the existing marquee will be big enough to accommodate everyone who wants to attend.

Mr Ottaway said: "It's gone very well - it's been busy throughout the whole festival with no quiet moments at all.

"I think it's just getting more renowned and more people are getting into real ale. People can come down and have a nice drink and enjoy the bands in a peaceful environment."