Herefordians had the chance to soak up the sunshine with their favourite tipple as a popular annual event returned to the city.
Beer on the Wye welcomed thousands of people to the banks of the river in Hereford last weekend
Crowds enjoyed live music, great local produce and a family fun day as the event returned for its 16th year.
Beer on the Wye 2022. The Delray Rockets performing on stage. Picture: Catherine Middleton
Beer on the Wye is the annual Hereford CAMRA Beer & Cider Festival and showcases beers and ciders from local producers and well-known international brands to suit any palette.
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The event at the rowing club opened at midday on Friday July 8 ,and ended at 5pm on Sunday July 10.
There were more than 135 beers and 130 ciders and perries to try from all over Herefordshire and beyond.
Beer on the Wye 2022. The bars doing a roaring trade on the Saturday. Picture Mark Haslam
Local microbrewery Motley Hog, from Ross-on-Wye, showcased their beer for the first time at the event and thoroughly enjoyed being part of it.
Co-founder Nigel Ree said at the start of the weekend: “It’s really exciting to be here. Beer on the Wye is a great chance to show our beer and to sample others.
“It’s the best beer festival for miles. We’re looking forward to it.”
The Rooters performing on stage. Picture Neil Kelly
Russell Sutcliffe, from Innocent Pilgrim Cider in Kimbolton, near Leominster, said: “Events like this are great for local producers like us and it gives people a great opportunity to try all sorts of new drinks that they might not otherwise have known about.
“It’s brilliant to be able to chat with other cider makers about growing techniques and how they produce their drinks, because everyone is a little bit different.”
Beer on the Wye 2022. The crowds make the most of the sunshine. Picture Neil Kelly
Gareth Handley had been visiting the festival for 10 years before Covid and took a day off work to come to the festival on Friday.
“You can’t beat it, it’s always a great weekend here with a great atmosphere.”
The 16th Beer on the Wye set records for the highest ever attendance and for beer, cider and perry consumption.
Beer on the Wye 2022. Music duo Rosso enjoying a drink. Picture courtesy of Rosso
Event organiser Mark Haslam said: “It was a remarkable weekend where virtually every record was broken or equalled.
“Being away for three years, and no doubt helped by the good weather, meant following a typical attendance on the Friday, we were completely blown away by the crowds on the Saturday.
“It was so busy that we needed to restock for the following Sunday Family Fun Day, which also managed a record-equalling attendance too. It was great to see everyone enjoy themselves.
“I need to personally thank every one of our team of over 120 unpaid volunteer staff. Without their ever-smiling hard work and commitment we wouldn’t have a festival.”
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