The Grog is a-flowing at 32nd Stoke Beer and Cider Festival

Yesterday was the final day of the 32nd annual Stoke Beer Festival, where thousands turned out to sample all manner of beers, ciders, wines and the best of local ales.

The three-day event, organized by the Potteries branch of Camra (Campaign for Real Ale), was once again held at Fenton Manor Sports Complex.

Organiser Lyn Sharpe has been involved with the festival for 22 years, the last two as lead organizer.

She is involved with many festivals across the midlands, but Stoke is always an annual highlight.

"We love the people of the Potteries, it is always a party festival with a great atmosphere".

The festival is run entirely by an army of volunteers, all united by their fondness for real ales.

"We've been working hard since Monday putting everything up". 

As is custom, the volunteers like to have a fancy dress theme to each festival.  

This year it's pirates, the Potter's pirates to be precise who have been responsible for making sure the grog is truly a-flowing. 

On Friday evening there were over 1400 people in attendance.

It has been a great turnout for co-organiser Colin Brown. 

"We have over 240 real ales, 60 real ciders, a range of country wines and foreign beers."

"Obviously, we like to keep it local too, the local ale bar only stocks ales sourced within 33 miles." 

"The new features this year is the Cider bar, which contains over 60 different brands, and the fruit wine stall, some of them have an alcohol content of 14% so pretty much rocket fuel!"

"I prefer the darker ales myself, but every beer is different and that's kind of the point of the festival, try something you like or something different."  

Aside from the drink, festival goers have been treated to live music and award presentations.

Earlier in the day, the Holy Inadequate in Etruria was named the best local pub by the Potteries Camra.

The drink and the people are the real stars of the show.

"The great thing with ales is that people get merry, it's just a really happy atmosphere and people just coming together" says Colin. 

"We've lost a couple of dear friends over the last year," says Lyn. 

Dressed in a union jack waistcoat, is self proclaimed royalist David Wood from the Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Camra. 

"I'm having a great time! It's always a great event but the people make it!" 

20 year old Pat Mitchell from Leek attended with a group of friends. 

"I'm sort of treating it as a learning experience, I just hope I am going to be able to remember the names of some of the drinks by the end of the day!" 

"We want to convert young people to the joy of real ale," says Lyn Sharpe, " We want them to come and taste something different to the big fizzy brands and perhaps discover something new, broadening their own horizons".

All in all, the 32nd Stoke Beer Festival was a success, bringing people together and supporting local business. 

In this case the hangover was most certainly worth it.