THE 41st Farnham Beerex at the Farnham Maltings was once again a great success enjoyed by around 5,000 visitors including Farnham mayor John Ward and mayoress Gillian Ward.

The extended range of breweries was well received. Many of the 61 beers available were new to Beerex and much enjoyed along with the great range of ciders, perries, food and music - and it only rained on Thursday!

This year visitors were offered the opportunity to vote for their favourite beer. Among the most popular were Saltaire’s Triple Chocolate Stout, Titanic’s Plum Porter, Padstow’s May Day and Swannay’s Orkney Blast.

However, the winner of the title of Beer of the Festival was newcomer Tilford Brewery’s Rushmoor Ripper. Founded by friends Mark and Paul, Tilford Brewery only began brewing commercially in January and is based out of an old coach house to the rear of The Duke of Cambridge pub in Tilford.

Its first beer, Rushmoor Ripper, is currently available at The Duke as well as sister pub The Wheatsheaf in Farnham.

Beerex chairman Phil Alexander said: “It’s great to see so many people enjoying Beerex, many of them being regulars who love coming back year after year, as well many attending their first.

“Members of Farnham Lions, CAMRA members and many others added together to create a force of over 340 volunteers to put on this year’s event covering every task. “Many return year after year, and Lions member Phil Williams found himself serving on Friday night alongside two fellow volunteers who had each served at every Beerex since 1976.

“It’s not known yet how much this year’s event has raised for charity but every penny of it will be used by the Lions Club of Farnham to support good causes most of them being local.

“The planning for the 42nd Beerex, which will be on April 12 to 14, 2018, will start within the next few weeks. Next year will be another special year celebrating the 40th year of Bill Tidy programme cover cartoons and 50 years of Farnham Lions.

“The public ticket sale will be on February 11. Past and new visitors and volunteers will be welcome.”