A RETURNING Aireborough Charity Beer Festival was a resounding success thanks to the diligent committee and the support of sponsors, advertisers and an enthusiastic public.

Limited to 70 participants for each of the five sessions the event ran at close to a total sell-out, and the event raised more than £2,800 for good causes.

Spokesman Robert Mirfield said: "Those attending sat talking to friends, obviously happy to meet up again after all the Covid restrictions. Many had arranged to meet up with friends at what they now clearly considered was a regular community event. There was also praise for the impressive refurbishing of Guiseley Theatre during lock down.

"Quite a few, especially on the Friday were keen CAMRA members who discussed the beers on offer at length and in some detail. It was certainly an event for the community and enjoyed by the community. The eclectic mix of musical entertainment was well received with especial praise for Melody’s Saturday afternoon performance where talk stopped and an attentive listening atmosphere took over. Melody’s three young students, Isabelle Armstrong, Sophia Rose and Lucas Reed all sang impressively and received a well deserved reception.

"Beer lovers enjoyed a full selection of different beers and thanks must go to all the brewers ready to supply a charity beer festival whilst coping with the aftermath of lockdown and the need to meet the demands of their regular customers in pubs and restaurants. Cider, gin and prosecco widened the choice of available drinks, which together with food helped cater for the diverse clientele.

"Some of the changes will probably be incorporated into next year’s festival including channelling individuals along the bar area and supplying a fresh plastic glass for every drink. The regular volunteer crew who grafted manfully earlier in the week on bringing in and setting up the beer barrels and then going through the reverse process on Sunday would certainly appreciate some more youthful recruits.

"The Aireborough Charity Beer Festival is securely back on the map, having raised over £2800 for the charitable efforts of the organising partners, Guiseley Theatre, Rawdon St. Peters Church and Aireborough Rotary despite the chosen reduction in numbers. Next year’s dates for the diary are June 16 to 18, a mere nine months away."