MORE than 2,900 people attended the 2017 Winchester Beer and Cider Festival, at the Guildhall, sat the organisers.

Around 80 different real ales, as well as almost 40 ciders and 30 bottled beers, were available.

Music was provided by Strumpet Town, The Denmead Brass Band and the Hattie Jacques' Playlist, for three of the four sessions, and a Tutored Tasting was held by Adrian Tierney-Jones on the Friday afternoon.

Local caterers Sizzlers and Uptons provided delicious food for the hungry hordes.

The CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) festival was organised wholly by volunteers and was enjoyed by all who attended.

Local brewer Steve Haigh, of Alfred's Brewery, won the Beer of the Festival with Saxon Bronze, his fourth victory in five years. Cider of the Festival was Piglet's Perry by Nempnett of Somerset.

Thousands of pounds were also donated by the festival goers for the two supported local charities, Trinity Winchester and Age UK Mid Hampshire for their local lunch clubs for senior citizens.

A celebratory presentation was held in The Hyde Tavern on March 28 where cheques for £1,616.42, for Trinity, and £1,552.24, for Age UK, were handed over.

Planning will begin in the Autumn for next year's festival to be held on March 16-17 2018.