Beer lovers congregated over the weekend to taste what was on offer at this year’s Stevenage Beer and Cider Festival hosted by North Herts Camra.

The Comet: Stevenage Beer & Cider Festival organiser Jon Kirby (second from right) with CAMRA volunteers and The Comet's Max Wild and editor Nick Gill. Picture: Danny LooStevenage Beer & Cider Festival organiser Jon Kirby (second from right) with CAMRA volunteers and The Comet's Max Wild and editor Nick Gill. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

Drinks flowed from Thursday to Saturday at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre with keen beer lovers trying real ale, cider and international offerings.

North Herts Camra’s festival organiser Jon Kirby said: “We had over 1,700 people through the doors over the three days, and managed to drink over 6,000 pints of ale – plus cider, international beers and key keg ales.

“It was a cracking weekend with a great atmosphere, and I’ve already spoken to a few people who are looking forward to the Hitchin festival on June 7, 8 and 9.

“It was an all-round success, which wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers, sponsors, and hosts Stevenage Leisure Ltd.”

The Comet: Former Half Moon landlord Howard Phillips at the Stevenage Beer & Cider Festival 2018. Picture: Danny LooFormer Half Moon landlord Howard Phillips at the Stevenage Beer & Cider Festival 2018. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

North Herts Camra’s 1000th member, Phoebe Rayner, was given an award, and former Half Moon landlords Howard Phillips and Wendy Mower were also recognised for services to real ale.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fncf71VaCPQ

The Comet: Visitors to the Stevenage Beer & Cider Festival 2018. Picture: Danny LooVisitors to the Stevenage Beer & Cider Festival 2018. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

The Comet: Visitors to the Stevenage Beer & Cider Festival 2018. Picture: Danny LooVisitors to the Stevenage Beer & Cider Festival 2018. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

The Comet: Former Half Moon landlords Howard Phillips and Wendy Mower were given the Eric Watson Memorial Award for services to real ale. Picture: Danny LooFormer Half Moon landlords Howard Phillips and Wendy Mower were given the Eric Watson Memorial Award for services to real ale. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

The Comet: Visitors to the Stevenage Beer & Cider Festival 2018. Picture: Danny LooVisitors to the Stevenage Beer & Cider Festival 2018. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)