DRINKERS failed to drain every drop of ale following the close of Worcester’s annual beer festival – but they had a good try.

Out of 4,500 gallons of ale and 1,840 gallons of cider and perry, about a tenth was left when organisers called time on the 11th Worcester CAMRA beer, cider and perry festival held on Pitchcroft at the weekend. As well as boosting visitor numbers up to 11,000 from 10,000 last year, Worcester CAMRA signed up 73 new members this year at the three-day event. And there were some new award-winners this year, with champion ale of the festival named as Trevor, brewed by Malvern Hills.

The champion cider of the festival was Brown Snout Whisky made by Severn Cider and the champion perry of the festival was Moorcroft made by Malvern Magic.

Bill Ottaway, festival organiser, said: “The festival is organised and run by volunteers who put in many hundreds of hours of their own time to ensure that Worcester continues to have one of the best CAMRA festivals in the country.

“It is very rewarding to see so many people of all ages from all walks of life come to the festival to share in our passion for real ale, cider and perry in a relaxed, trouble-free environment.

“Long may it continue.”