HUNDREDS of visitors from across the world found their way to a new venue for Northwich’s ever-popular beer festival at the weekend.

The 20th annual Northwich Beer Festival drew more than 800 people to Winnington Recreation Club, in Park Road, for three sessions of real ales, ciders and live music.

The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Northwich, the Rotary Club of Northwich Vale Royal and CAMRA, has been held at Northwich Memorial Hall for the past 19 years but has moved to Winnington Rec until the new Memorial Court is built on the site of the hall.

Whitegate Travel provided a shuttlebus between the town centre and the Rec throughout the sessions, which were held on Friday evening, Saturday lunchtime and Saturday evening.

John Walton, chairman of Northwich Beer Festival, said: “There were very good comments made about the new venue at Winnington Park Recreational Club.

“A very big thank you to Whitegate Travel for their contribution to transport during the festival.

“I would like also to thank the business companies who supported the festival in there sponsorship of beers and especially Rojac, Whitegate Travel and Firestone.

“Once again the people of Northwich supported this annual event and we also had visitors from all over the country and even a visitor from Thailand.”

Drinkers had more than 40 beers to choose from, as well as 14 ciders and perries.

The festival beer this year was The Marbury Phoenix, brewed by Cheshire Brewhouse, and the CAMRA beer tasting competition was won by Abbey Dale Absolution with Marinsons in second place and Wobbly Bob in third place.

During the event more than 332 gallons of beers and ciders were consumed with Elderflower Blonde, from Shipley, being the first to sell out.

Live music was provided by One Night Stand and The Prospects.

John said: “As the chairman of Northwich Beer Festival I would like to thank all the people who attended which made this such a successful 2013 Northwich Beer Festival.”