This year’s Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival was a huge hit organisers have said.

The festival, which is organised by CAMRA North Herts, Hitchin Round Table and Hitchin Rugby Club and backed by the Comet newspaper, kicked off on Thursday at the Hitchin Rugby Club, which was officially opened by Comet deputy editor Steve Langbridge

The three day event saw 2,500 people visit the club on Old Hale Way, 17% more than last year.

Organisers also did things slightly differently this year in that a larger marquee was erected in the grounds, more seating was put out and a wider range of food options to meet demand was made available.

There were 77 cask ales on offer, as well as more cider and perries than ever before and a selection of draught and bottled foreign beers.

Speaking to the Comet, North Herts CAMRA festival organiser, Jon Kirby, said: “About 7,000 pints of ale were drunk and all the cider was sold out, Friday was absolutely packed with people in the marquee and sitting out on the benches enjoying the sun – that was our most noticeable difference. All our volunteers worked really hard and it was great that the Comet were able to support us as the community’s local newspaper.”

Chairman of Hitchin Round Table, Ross Black, said: “Thaanks to everyone who were involved with organising the event and also a huge thank you to the volunteers who served everyone. It was a really big success.”