We really are only here for the beer

ON tap...Richard and Sue Hotchkiss start a new barrel

HEAVY downpours failed to dampen the spirits of revellers at Saddleworth’s 17th annual beer festival.

More than 200 ale fans braved the rain to sample the goods on offer at Uppermill Museum on Friday and Saturday.

Visitors were given a choice of brews from Timothy Taylor’s of Keighley to Shaw’s of Dukinfield as well as beers from microbreweries in Greenfield, Mossley and Rochdale.

The most popular ale of the festival was Millstone Beers from Mossley and around 550 pints were sunk over the weekend.

While they sampled the goods on offer, revellers were entertained by musicians and singers including the Pennine Jazz Band and pianist Clive Eden.

The event is sponsored by local pubs and breweries who are assisted by CAMRA (Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch).

Richard Hotchkiss, who organises the event on behalf of the Friends of Saddleworth Museum, said: “It was a fabulous event despite the weather and everyone had a really good time thanks to the fine selection of beers and the great live music.

“We will definitely be back next year with a bigger and better beer festival.”