A big hit – that’s the verdict of punters and organisers alike after another hugely successful Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival.

The Comet: Crowds flocked to the Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival. CREDIT HBF TwitterCrowds flocked to the Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival. CREDIT HBF Twitter (Image: Archant)

The popular event, held from Thursday to Saturday at Hitchin Rugby Club in Old Hale Way, attracted more than 3,000 visitors over the three days.

The Comet: Crowds flocked to the Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival. CREDIT HBF TwitterCrowds flocked to the Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival. CREDIT HBF Twitter (Image: Archant)

The community-minded Hedgehogs provided a large number of the 120 volunteers who worked hard to ensure the celebration of beer ran smoothly, with many from North Herts Camra and the Hitchin Round Table also freely giving up their time.

The Comet: The Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival. CREDIT HBF TwitterThe Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival. CREDIT HBF Twitter (Image: Archant)

Hitchin town centre manager Tom Hardy opened the event, which saw around 10,000 pints supped by thirsty ale lovers with a wide range of food from quality outlets including Cantina Carnitas, Soul Shack, Toastielicious, La Crepe Franglaise, Kura Kura, Tuck In and a stall from Pipers Crisps.

The Comet: Hitchin town centre manager Tom Hardy (right) officially opens the best festival. CREDIT: HBFHitchin town centre manager Tom Hardy (right) officially opens the best festival. CREDIT: HBF (Image: Archant)

Festival organiser Jon Kirby from North Herts Camra told the Comet: “A huge thank you to the volunteers of Hitchin.

The Comet: The 2018 Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival has been a huge success. CREDIT: HBFThe 2018 Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival has been a huge success. CREDIT: HBF (Image: Archant)

“It was our busiest Friday night yet and 3,333 people came through the door in total over the course of the event.

The Comet: Hitchin beer festival organiser extraordinaire Jon Kirby. CREDIT @comet_laythHitchin beer festival organiser extraordinaire Jon Kirby. CREDIT @comet_layth (Image: Archant)

“We’ve got a great team and I’m proud of everyone who got involved. I’d also like to thank all our sponsors too – and of course everyone who came to enjoy the beer and to make the festival such a special event.”

The Comet: The guys at the very excellent Soul Shack at the Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival. CREDIT: @comet_laythThe guys at the very excellent Soul Shack at the Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival. CREDIT: @comet_layth (Image: Archant)

With more than 150 beers, ciders and perry’s on offer the festival attracted real ale enthusiasts from near and far.

The Comet: Matt Bean and the guys at Cantina Carnitas. CREDIT @comet_laythMatt Bean and the guys at Cantina Carnitas. CREDIT @comet_layth (Image: Archant)

One beer fan came all the way from South Wales.

The Comet: 'Mr Tombola Man'. CREDIT: @comet_layth'Mr Tombola Man'. CREDIT: @comet_layth (Image: Archant)

Scott Richards said: “I travelled from a town called Nelson near Swansea because I’d heard good things about the event and I like my ale.

The Comet: A well-known Hitchin face - Jess Princeton and her wonderful family with friend Shaun O'Reilly. CREDIT @comet_laythA well-known Hitchin face - Jess Princeton and her wonderful family with friend Shaun O'Reilly. CREDIT @comet_layth (Image: Archant)

“I wasn’t disappointed. There was an excellent selection and the atmosphere was great. It was well worth the trip.”

The Comet: Journalist Layth Yousif with friends at the Hitchin Beer and Cider FestivalJournalist Layth Yousif with friends at the Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival (Image: Archant)

Planning will start again soon by Jon and his hard-working team for next year’s event.

The Comet: Labour councillor Elizabeth Dennis at the festival. CREDIT: @comet_laythLabour councillor Elizabeth Dennis at the festival. CREDIT: @comet_layth (Image: Archant)

For more information visit www.hitchinbeerfestival.org.uk and follow them on Twitter @HitchinBeerFest.

The Comet: Writer and dog lover Danny Pearson. CREDIT: @comet_laythWriter and dog lover Danny Pearson. CREDIT: @comet_layth (Image: Archant)

For more on Hitchin Rugby Club follow @HitchinRugby and @hitchinladies.

The Comet: The Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival 2018 has been a huge hit. CREDIT: @comet_laythThe Hitchin Beer and Cider Festival 2018 has been a huge hit. CREDIT: @comet_layth (Image: Archant)