VOLUNTEERS and supporters of Alton beer festivals met at the town’s community centre to present donations to charities benefiting from the spring festivities.

May’s event was the 25th festival since it started in 2002, and all those who attended helped generate £9,880 for 17 different charities.

“A huge thank you to our sponsors Triple fff and all the breweries whose continued generosity helps us to raise money for a diverse range of charities,” said volunteer Louise Parker.

“In the last 13 years, the total given away from the Alton beer festivals has now reached £165,000.”

The evening was also an opportunity for volunteers, brewers and charity recipients to recognise the hard work, dedication and passion which festival organisers Peter and Ysanne Legg have given since the inaugural event.

A presentation was made by Nigel Hoppitt, one of the team who will be taking over the running of future festivals. He thanked the pair for their “leadership and enthusiasm” as well as echoing the sentiment of everyone present that Alton Beer Festival is a unique opportunity for people to come together and raise money for good causes.

The couple were presented with their own pub sign which will take pride of place over the bar at future festivals.

As well as charities receiving their donations, the awards for the summer festival champion beers were also announced. These are voted for by festival attendees. The champion beer this summer was from Triple fff, with their Goldfffinger. Tied for second were Langham Brewery’s Aegir Porter and Nobby’s Biggus Dickus.

Finally, there was another tie for third – Banks & Taylor’s Plum Mild along with Dartmoor’s Jail Ale.

The charities that benefitted from the summer festival and have now received their donations. They are Alton Cardiac Rehab, Alton College Foundation, Alton Community Centre, Bentley Surgery, Brendoncare, Broadlands Riding for the Disabled, Bushy Leaze School, Chawton Park Surgery, Four Marks & Medstead Rotary, Four Marks Scout Group, Holybourne Cricket Club, Holybourne Village Hall, Limes Day Care Centre, Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices, Treloar College’s IMPACT, Wessex Cancer Trust, and Wilson Surgery.

The next festival is on Friday, February 19, and Saturday, February 20. There are three sessions, namely Friday evening and Saturday lunchtime and evening.