9,000 beer buffs sink gallons of real ale

ABOUT 9,000 drinkers supped their way through the Derby Winter Beer festival.

The event, run by the Derby branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, was held last week at the Roundhouse, in Pride Park.

Hundreds of ales, ciders and perries were on offer, along with live music and other entertainment.

Organisers were still counting receipts but Gillian Williams, chairman of the festival, said she thought more than 9,000 people had passed through the doors over the four-day event, which ended on Saturday.

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She said: "It was excellent. We haven't heard one negative thing about it.

"We can still improve the admissions system but, other than that, we are thrilled with how it all went."

It is the third time the festival has been held at the refurbished venue.

Next year, the festival will be replaced with the Camra National Winter Ales Festival, which Derby has been chosen to host for the next three years.

Mrs Williams said the choice of location was a "ringing endorsement" for the city.

She said: "It shows just how much enthusiasm and passion Derby has for real ale."

An engagement ring was found during the festival. Anyone who can help trace its owner should call Gillian on 07847 504 074.