HOGS Back Brewery served up a double celebration at its Tongham brewery to mark both its third annual hop harvest and its 25th birthday, with a one-day festival attended by more than 1,000 supporters.

Guests enjoyed a fun-filled day of live music, Morris dancing, children’s entertainment, freshly-cooked food and beers, including Green TEA, a version of the brewer’s flagship ale made with fresh Surrey Fuggles hops from this year’s harvest.

At the party, Hogs Back managing director Rupert Thompson also announced the brewery’s support for Macmillan Cancer Support for 2017/18, presenting them with a cheque for £10,000.

Hogs Back aims to raise at least £10,000 more for the charity over the next 12 months. The second donation of £7,500 to Mind, the company’s charity of the year in 2016/17, was also announced.

“Our Hop Harvest party is always a fantastic event and this year’s was no exception,” he said. “ The sun shone all day, the beer, food and food and entertainment all went down a treat and everyone had a wonderful time.

“This celebration was extra-special as we were also marking our 25th birthday, so we were delighted to welcome so many people who have supported Hogs Back over the years and contributed to the brewery’s success. We wouldn’t have reached this great milestone in the company’s history without the enthusiasm and loyalty of many local customers, so it was great to thank them with our biggest-ever party.

“We are pleased with our hop harvest this year, and we look forward to tasting Home Harvest Ale, the beer brewed using only hops from our garden, later this year.”

There were performances by local groups, including the Yateley Morris men, folk band The Nefarious Picaroons, popular Motown and funk band The Fever, hard hitting rockers The Outcast Band, and popular Hogs Back Brewery regulars Don’t Fret. The Flying Wright Brothers headlined the event.

Younger visitors enjoyed the Kids Zone with bouncy castle, face painting and The Rock and Pop Foundation music tent, where they could play instruments and ‘bandeoke’.

Barbecue Chef cooked hundreds of locally-made Alf Turner’s burgers and sausages, and Stromboli brought an Italian theme to the day, Hi Speed Services donated the stage and Hedgehogs built and took down marquees. Also helping out were Farnham Round Table, volunteers from SamFest and the 4th Farnham (Tongham) Scouts.