A NEW beer festival has been hailed a resounding success after being drunk dry. The first Independent Baldock Beer Festival, held as part of the 25th annual Baldock Festival celebrations, closed two hours early on the last day having sold out of everythi

A NEW beer festival has been hailed a resounding success after being drunk dry.

The first Independent Baldock Beer Festival, held as part of the 25th annual Baldock Festival celebrations, closed two hours early on the last day having sold out of everything.

Beers, ciders, wines and lagers from local brewers flowed from Friday until Sunday evening at Brandles School on Weston Way.

Beer fest organiser Rob Scahill said: "We sold out of everything - 47 beers, 12 ciders and four lagers, and 800 burgers and hot dogs.

"I think there were up to 1,500 people over the weekend and we had bands, and a bouncy castle, face painting and a fire engine for the kids.

"There were no drunks, well some relaxed people, and no trouble at all."

"Buntingford Brewery won the best ale, Knights Templar, brewed especially for the festival.

"We also got a petition going to restore the town hall. We want to hold a winter beer festival there. We would encourage people to contact their councillors and ask them exactly what they are going to do about it."

The two-week Baldock Festival will end this weekend with the highlight for many the Medieval Street Fair on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

The market place in the High Street will return to its medieval roots, with period craftsmen, battling knights and cheeky jesters as well as food, a craft fair and fairground rides.

St Mary's will also be involved, with flowers and crafts on display in the church.

Baldock residents interested in how they will be affected by the town centre redevelopments due to begin on June 9 can meet the contractors at the fair. Skanska McNicholas will have an exhibition stall in the High Street from 10am to 2pm, with officers from North Herts District Council, Herts County Council and BDP, the designers of the scheme.