More than 8,000 people enjoyed some of the finest ales and ciders the country has to offer at a sun-soaked Delapre Beer Festival.
The event, which ran from Thursday afternoon to Saturday night, offered more than 300 real ales and 60 ciders, many from Northamptonshire breweries such as Hoggleys, Frog Island and Great Oakley.
The festival was organised by Northampton Borough Council and the Wig and Pen, who stepped in after Northants CAMRA announced it was taking a year off from running the event.
Richard Gordon, landlord of the Wig and Pen, said: “It was mega - really successful. We had more than 8,000 people turn up over the two-and-a-half days.
“The weather played a big part, but that is definitely more than we expected.
“A lot of hard work went into this from everyone. There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears. I absolutely loved it.”
Asked if he would be involved with the festival next year, Mr Gordon said: “Who knows? Of course, I would love to do it again.”
Mr Gordon pledged to listen to feedback from visitors if the pub was involved again, following some complaints about long queuing times to get in, and queues for the toilets.
He said: “We had a load more toilets delivered after feedback on the Facebook page. We also had people asking for more chairs.
“If we did it again, we would make the entrance bigger, and make the whole site bigger.”
Visitors have been giving their verdict on the festival on the Chron’s Facebook page.
Rai Morgan said: “Well done to the council and the Wig and Pen for putting on a brilliant beer festival. So glad it went ahead instead of being cancelled.
“Yes there were loo queues and a massive queue to get in, but equally there needs to be a capacity, and if it rains it wouldn’t have been so popular. A big thumbs-up.”
Lisa Edwards said: “I thought it was great. We’ve been for the last three years, and I actually think this year was the best.
“There was a good selection of beers, some had sold out, but then we went on the Saturday afternoon so it had already been on for two days.
“Good selection of food. Loads of loos, certainly more than in previous years. And the staff were great. Only downside was there was nothing for the kids.”
David Hellier said: “Excellent selection of beers and ciders. Well organised, fantastic atmosphere. Capacity needs to be increased for future events - the number of folk queueing to get in was obscene. All in all, a great event!”
Gavin Foster said: “After hearing rumours of a 90 minute queue to get in last night I chose to ignore them, and so pleased I did. Twenty minutes maximum was all I waited.”