HUNDREDS of thirsty folk flocked to the Pear Tree Church Hall over the weekend for Woolston’s annual Beer Festival

Now in its seventh year, the two-day event, organised by Southern Hampshire Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), and sponsored by Southampton micro pubs, Olaf’s Tun and Caskaway, featured 30 real ales, from local and national breweries.

The festival’s evening sessions also featured local musical talent, with four piece acoustic quartet – Monkey See Monkey Do taking to the stage on Friday, and 22-year old singer/songwriter Just Millie performing on the Saturday.

The the Saturday lunchtime session saw attendees take part in a traditional pub quiz. The top prize was a selection of bottled beers which was won by the team of Jo and Barry Butcher, Paul Harvey, Mich Rice and Chris Taylor.

A portion of the proceeds from the festival will be donated to local charity Communicare, which provides help and support to improve the quality of life for lonely and isolated people in and around Southampton.

Deric Payne, chair of South Hampshire CAMRA, said: “We would like to thank Olaf’s Tun for sponsoring the glasses this year, and Neil Horsdall and Neil Horlock, Olaf’s licenses, for tapping the casks and taking on the duties of bar managers together with Ian Gosney from Caskaway – and Christina and Alex for volunteering them!