A SOUTH Shropshire brewery has taken a top award as Hereford's Beer on the Wye festival returned for its 18th year.

The Beer on the Wye festival took place in a giant marquee at Hereford Rowing Club over the weekend of July 12 to 14, after being opened by the mayor of Hereford.

The riverside festival showcased over 350 different beers, ciders and perries whilst nine live bands graced the festival stage. Over 130 unpaid volunteer staff served 19,839 pints to over 5,200 people in just two and a half days.

It has been hailed another success by organisers Herefordshire CAMRA.

Festivalgoers enjoying the atmosphere at Hereford's Beer on the WyeFestivalgoers enjoying the atmosphere at Hereford's Beer on the Wye (Image: Herefordshire CAMRA)

Mark Haslam, chair of the organising committee, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves at what was another trouble-free event. It was also a pleasure to be able to promote so many of our local breweries and cider producers. Further, I must offer a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our army of volunteer staff who made a magnificent effort serving on busy bars, always with a smile on their faces.”

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The festival was also the host to a number of competitions for the best beer, cider and perry as judged by a panel of experts.

Champion Beer of the Festival was won by Three Tuns Brewery of Bishops Castle in Shropshire for their Best Bitter,  a traditional, full-bodied amber ale at 3.8 per cent ABV. Nearer to home, Ledbury Real Ales took the accolade of Herefordshire Beer of the Year with their Rock the Hops, a pale-coloured, hoppy brew at 4.8 per cent ABV.

Herefordshire producers took all six places in the West Midlands cider and perry competitions that were also hosted at the festival. Wilce’s of Ledbury won gold for their dry cider at six per cent ABV, whilst Greggs Pit of Much Marcle won gold with their Blakeney Red, Butt and Oldfield Perry at seven per cent ABV.

Beer on the Wye is due to return next year over the weekend of July 11 to 13.