GLASSES were raised at the Nothe Fort for its first ever beer festival.

The event was held on Saturday in aid of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

It was organised in association with Piddle Brewery and Angry Squirrel, a new events company.

Visitors had a choice of 10 local beers, including a rather delicious coconut and rum flavoured stout

Meanwhile, Nothe Fort Artillery re-enactors gathered to demonstrate the power of the fort’s canons to interested onlookers.

Steven Booth, marketing manager of the Nothe Fort, said: “We’re holding the event in aid of the Poppy Appeal.

“This is the first time the Nothe Fort has held a beer festival.

“The event marks the end of our season. It has been a very successful – we had thousands of people turn up for our moon event, the Victorian weekend, and Nothe of the Living Dead.

“So we thought we would go out in style with a bit of a party and raise as much money as possible for charity.”

Jon Lavers of Piddle Brewery said: “We wanted to start the event a bit earlier to give people the chance to have a look around the fort in the daylight.

“But come tea time we’re hoping for people to come up here and support the cause instead of staying at home and just having a few beers. Perhaps they’ll come here for their first.

“This is the first beer festival the Nothe have done so hopefully people will be as generous as they can.”

Danny Adams, who runs the events company Angry Squirrel, added: “It’s not like a traditional beer festival which makes money.

“It’s still about making a profit, just for all the right reasons.”

Mr Addams said ‘every penny’ from the profits goes towards the charity.

He said: “We’re passionate about local music and up and coming artists.

“The aim is to bring together the best of what Dorset has to offer.”

“Everyone playing today believes in the cause which we are raising money for.

“I want to showcase up and coming talent.”

The event was opened by Joocy Loops and saw performances from the likes of Tim Faulkes and Olivier Coe to name but a few.

Meanwhile food was provided by Top Gun Catering who were selling their Bratwurst and wood fired pizzas.