The first ever Helsby Beer Festival at Helsby Community Sports Club was a huge success

Mar 18 2010 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

EXTRA supplies had to be called in at Helsby Beer Festival last weekend after hundreds of real ale fans drank the bar dry.

The inaugural festival, which took place on Friday and Saturday night at the Helsby Community Sports Club, Chester Road, saw about 600 visitors finish off more than 22 barrels of bitters, ales, milds, lagers, stouts, ciders and perrys.

Club development officer Michelle Pickstock said: “We’ve had so many people telling us how much they enjoyed the laid-back, friendly and easy-going feel to the event, and they liked the ales too given that they literally drank us dry.”

Stuart Wilkinson, chairman and event organiser, added: “This was our first beer festival and we had so much positive feedback from people.

“Some people thought we were being ambitious with the amount of beer we ordered and yet there was not a drop to spare, so next time we know we can confidently increase the amount.

“We must thank all the volunteers who helped before and during the event.

“We also have to thank the musicians, local businesses who gave us their support to make the festival happen.

“This was our first festival, it won’t be our last and the best is yet to come.”