GLASSES were chinking and ale was pouring as the Weymouth Beer Festival got underway at the Pavilion.

The annual autumn festival, organised by the West Dorset branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), started this morning and will be held until 11pm tomorrow.

More than 1,000 tickets have already been sold for the event, with 74 ales plus 12 ciders and perries available for enthusiasts to sample, and organisers are expecting an estimated 5,000 pints to be poured during the two-day event.

Each year the organisers focus on ales produced by a certain area of the United Kingdom and this year is no different, with 51 ales brewed from the Cotswolds the centre attention behind the bar.

Dave Harris, chairman of the West Dorset CAMRA branch that organised the festival, said he was excited ahead of the weekend.

Mr Harris said: “What makes this event so special is that so many people like real ale, they come for the drinks, but the venue really captures them.

“Someone said last year that it was the nicest view in the country, and we have people coming from all over the country to the festival and stop the weekend in the town so it's a great boost at the end of the season.

“By focusing on one area for the ales, this year the Cotswolds, and including a dozen or more local breweries, there is a great mixture of drinks and it provides a great experience for everyone.

“Real ale is something that you can drink reliably and get a nice variety from these days.”

Charlie Clayton and Robert House were the first ones to the bar after the doors opened at 11am, and sampled a pint of Pigs Ear

Mr House said: “We came last year and it was so good we thought we would come and do it again.

“This is one of the better ones because you can sit down and there is plenty of room. It is a very good event, the view out on to the sea is fantastic.”

 

Reporter Lee Irving samples some real ale

AS soon as you walk through the entrance to the festival, you are greeted by a plethora of beer barrels stocked up against the wall ready and raring to go.

My first drink, an ale called Hill Climb, was served quickly and as the first drops tickled my tastebuds, the bar staff were eager to find out my reaction before suggesting other ales I might like to try.

Being on the job, I couldn't sample as many as I would have liked but I did indulge in a few sips of some more, including Hope and Glory, the Pigs Ear and the interestingly titled Dragons Blood.

As the crowds started milling around, it was impressive to hear the knowledge of the bar staff on the drinks they were serving, the passion they have for real ale is excellent to see.

But, fear not if ale isn't your drink of choice or you're not a connoisseur. There is a wide range of ciders and perries, both from the local area and further afield, to be tasted and there is also a try-before-you-buy system, ensuring you are only parting with your hard earned cash for drinks you will really appreciate.