A FESTIVAL returned with a record number of beer fans attending to enjoy the good weather and their favourite tipple.

The 17th Manningtree Beer Festival took place at the Sailing Club Marquee in Quay Street.

The festival was bigger and better than ever with more than 30 beer barrels and food arriving from a new source.

Gazette: Pints - Helen Shelley, Gary Blackwell, Dave Smithdale and Denis Harris are among those enjoying the Manningtree Beer Festival.Pints - Helen Shelley, Gary Blackwell, Dave Smithdale and Denis Harris are among those enjoying the Manningtree Beer Festival.

More than 1,200 turned out to enjoy the festivities at the weekend.

Carol Shakespeare, who organised the event, said she was excited that the festival has returned on a yearly basis.

She said: “It’s brilliant because all the money we make goes to charity so the more people we have down, the more money we can donate.

Gazette: Tasty - Sister and brother Emma and Gary Welham.Tasty - Sister and brother Emma and Gary Welham.

“We donated to more than ten charities last year, the festival has a buzzing atmosphere and is family-friendly because we have access to the beach.”

The festival ordered 34 beer barrels for drinkers to enjoy, upping the number from the previous total of 28.

There was also 24 ciders and a mixture of wine and prosecco.

Gazette: Summer days - Chris Baxter enjoys the festival.Summer days - Chris Baxter enjoys the festival.

Reds Tasty Brats, a mobile catering service, provided sausages and pretzels for the event.

The festival ran out of beer and cider by 7.30pm on Saturday.

Carol added: “We had live music acts deliver wonderful performances in Will Foley, Mike Coultharde, Keith Simons, Jack Walsh, Paul Richardson and new duo Sara and Tom.

Gazette: Selfie - Sarah Moore records the event.Selfie - Sarah Moore records the event.

“A big thank you to Reds Tasty Brats for their excellent bratwursts and a huge thank you to our team of volunteers.

“We’d also like to thank the Stour Sailing Club for use of their premises.

“I am sorry we ran out early despite increasing the barrels but just think what would have happened if it had rained, see you all next year - date to be arranged.”

Gazette: Chilling - Jenny Pritchard and Denise Lawry on the beach.Chilling - Jenny Pritchard and Denise Lawry on the beach.

Festival organisers will donate funds to several charities and causes including the crisis in Ukraine.

In past years, the festival has raised funds for Manningtree First Responders, Acorn Village, Mistley Kids Club, St Helena Hospice and other charities.

For more information on the festival visit facebook.com/manningtreebeerfestival/.