ORGANISERS, fellow volunteers and supporters of Alton’s Summer Beer Festival met at Wessex Arts Centre to present donations to the charities nominated to benefit from the event.

June’s festival was the 29th since 2002, and more than 1,100 visitors downed more than 3,750 pints to raise more than £8,000. Over the years, the events have raised nearly £209,000.

The organisers thanked event sponsors Triple fff Brewing from Four Marks and Bourne Estate Agents, as well as the breweries “whose generosity helps us to raise money for a diverse range of charities".

Speaking on behalf of the festival’s charitable trust, trustee Louise Parker reported that the awards for the summer festival champion beers were also acknowledged on the Saturday.

“These are voted for by festival attendees and 56 out of the 60 beers and 20 out of 21 ciders received a vote, evidencing the outstanding quality on offer," she said.

"A hat-trick of dark beers swept the board. Champion beer this summer was Black Pearl Oyster Stout, which had travelled all the way from the Hooded Ram Brewery on the Isle of Man. Second was London’s The Five Points Brewing Company with its Railway Porter, while Basingstoke’s Longdog Brewery won Bronze with its Lamplight Porter.”

Donations were made to 15 charities: 613 (Alton) Squadron Air Cadets, 8th Alton Scouts, Alton Buckle Children’s PartnershipAlton Community Association, Alton Counselling Service, Alton Trampoline Club, Amery Hill School, Broadlands Riding for the Disabled at Medstead, Bushy Leaze Children and Families Centre, Cardiac Rehab, Challengers, Four Marks and Ropley Scouts, Four Marks Care, Holybourne Cricket Club, and the Vokes Lunch Club.