WINTERFEST, Salisbury’s much-loved winter beer and cider festival, once again lived up to its reputation, drawing large crowds, enthusiastic drinkers and a near sell-out of tickets.

The festival, at the weekend (January 23 and 24), saw all available tickets snapped up for the Saturday session, with the traditionally quieter Friday evening also attracting strong attendance.

The popularity of the event organised by the Salisbury & South Wiltshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) underlined its status as a highlight of the city’s winter calendar.

“The feedback has been fantastic with those who attended praising the relaxed, friendly atmosphere and the excellent range of beers,” said Ilya Klekovkin, festivals organiser for the Salisbury & South Wiltshire branch of CAMRA.

Winterfest has long been valued not just for its drinks, but also for the chance it offers people to explore beers and ciders rarely found locally.

“Winterfest is a hugely popular event in Salisbury, brightening the late January gloom and giving people the chance to sample beers and ciders that they would not normally be able to find in this area,” added Mr Klekovkin.

Held in Salisbury Guildhall, the festival made full use of the historic building.

Beers and ciders were served by CAMRA volunteers in the grand Banqueting Hall, surrounded by portraits of monarchs and former mayors.

Festival-goers were also free to wander into the former Crown Court and the atmospheric, wood-panelled Oak Court.

(Image: Salisbury & S. Wilts CAMRA)

In a moment that amused many, a small group even chose to sit in the dock itself, where generations of defendants once stood to hear their fate.

Andrew Hesketh, chairman of the local CAMRA branch, said the setting and atmosphere were key to Winterfest’s appeal.

“Winterfest has a very special vibe,” he said. “It is an easy-going conversation-led event with no noisy background music to distract from the important things – good company and wonderful beer and cider. People very much appreciate that.”

A total of 24 cask ales and six ciders were available, with a strong focus on darker winter styles such as stouts, porters and milds.

Beers travelled from as far afield as the Midlands and the north of England, including Rucked, a 5.2% ABV ruby ale from Front Row Brewery in Staffordshire, Raven, a 4.8% ABV dark mild from White Rose Brewery in Yorkshire, and Optimum, a 4.2% ABV best bitter from Deeply Vale in Lancashire.

Local breweries were also well represented, including Hop Back, Downton, Three Daggers and Stonehenge Ales. Hale Ale, brewed by Dead Duck near Downton, proved so popular it was the first beer to sell out.

Revellers were invited to vote for their favourite Beer of the Festival, with the winning brew set to be announced in the coming days.