More than 500 people turned out for a popular beer festival which is growing to become an important community event. 

Guisborough and Great Ayton Rotary Club Beer Festival attracted 530 people to St Nicholas Church Hall in Guisborough, last weekend.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Guisborough and Great Ayton Rotary Club members at the Festival; this year’s President is Brian

It was the 11th festival, and over the last decade, it has grown into an important community project, as well as a major charity event. Each year the selection of beers becomes even more varied and the event seeks to reflect the increasing beer styles now available.

This year, there were 31 different beers and five ciders/perry to try. The beers varied from traditional bitters, to porter and stout, and lager, from across the country, with input from Belgian-style beer and American hops.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Guisborough Beer Festival

A brown ale, BOBA-X from the Guisborough Brewery was voted the beer of the festival, making it back-to-back wins for Guisborough Brewery. BOBA-X won by just three votes from The Rising, the 10.5 per cent ABV Imperial stout from Lords Brewing in Huddersfield. Each visitor was supplied with a commemorative pint glass on arrival.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Festival barmen pulling the beers, Martin Simpson, left, and Tim Claridge

Refreshments, including hot meals, were provided by the St Nicholas Church staff. The proceeds of more than £5,000 from the festival will be used to benefit local and national charities.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Guisborough Beer Aficionados, from left, Jude Stevenson, Nick Bishop and Barrie Davis enjoying

The tombola was run on behalf of the Teesside Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, and outside the hall there was a stand displaying the work of the Blood Bikes. In addition, the festival was supported by 40 business and voluntary organisations from the Guisborough area.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Guisborough Blood Bikes display at the Hall, with, from left, Chris Smith, Mark Dickinson, Phil