ILKLEY’S 2019 Beer Festival has once again been judged a success after sell-out crowds raised £47,500.

More than 20,000 pints of real ale, beer and cider, as well as Prosecco and gin, were available at the King’s Hall over three days last month.

The festival, which is organised by Ilkley and District Round Table, is now into its 12th year with all money raised going towards local good causes. Last year the event raised £47,462.

Nick Winterbottom, of the Round Table, said: “All sessions were sold out before the event and we had a long queue of beer lovers forming on Saturday morning just to be some of the first to get in.”

Crowds enjoyed 120 beers and ciders, Prosecco and sloe gin from Addingham Fruit Liqueurs. This year also saw the successful introduction of the ‘thirsty Thursday gin shack’ and the gin bar at all public sessions went down a treat.

The highlight for many was the entertainment. Steph and her Sax provided ambience for the thirsty Thursday gin shack, Steph Baker was on Saturday with acoustic covers, Funk Soul City entertained the Friday night crowd and headline act Back Chat Brass brought an original take on modern hits to Saturday evening.

Lishman’s of Ilkley kept the stomachs lined with an array of pork pies, pasties and salami sticks.

This year’s event also saw the return of the Social Media Wall allowing everyone to post comments and selfies on the big screen as well as advertising the good work Ilkley Round Table do, including the upcoming Ilkley Half Marathon.

Nick Winterbottom added: “Ilkley and District Round Table wish to thank every volunteer and all of our sponsors, in particular our new headline sponsor Murray Harcourt, who have come together to make this another fantastic event. The money raised will go towards helping the local community and help us continue in our determination to support everyone in need in the Wharfedale area.”

Adam Poulson, Round Table Chairman said: “We hope that everyone had a great time at this year’s event and we can’t wait for next year. We invite applications from organisations and individuals who may require financial support from Ilkley Round Table.”

In the past year these funds have supported local organisations such as Menston Cricket Club, Ilkley Arts Federation, Burley Parish Centre, Burley in Wharfedale Cricket Club, Curley Hill Scout Centre, The Principle Trust Charity, LS29 Special Needs Support Group, Local Defibrillators, Ilkley Band Stand, Ilkley Insight, KIVCA and Keighley District Scout Council, making a real difference to the local community.