MORE than 1,500 pints were pulled at the Lyme Regis Beer Festival as hundreds turned out to celebrate despite the wet weather.

The fourth annual festival featured 23 ales from the organising breweries, Lyme-based Mighty Hop Brewery and Town Mill Brewery and Chideock-based Art Brew, and 10 ciders from the region as well as a Pimm’s bar.

A mixture of local residents and visitors to the area packed out The Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on April 5 as the festival was held from noon until 11pm.

Richard Surtees, Town Mill Brewery manager, said: “Hundreds of people packed out the festival throughout the day, and, despite the wet weather we were faced with, people still came out in force to celebrate the beer festival this year.

“The event was great fun with a welcoming atmosphere and also included family orientated acts such as a circus skills school in the afternoon and a fire breather slightly later on.

“Next year we are aiming to get the festival to be held on Easter Saturday in a bid to attract even more people.

“We also had a Pimm’s bar on the day for those who didn’t enjoy beer or cider, which was a huge success and will hopefully feature next year too.”

The main music act was new local band Skin Tight, who entertained the crowds from 9pm to 11pm.

Live music also came from singing duo Six Days, siblings Ollie and Ellie Harris, who performed an acoustic set of covers and original songs.

The organisers wish to thank the volunteers and everyone who supported the event.

Mr Surtees added: “Thank you to the community for turning out in force to celebrate the beer festival. I am very grateful for the time and effort put in by everyone. The beer festival is a big event for Lyme Regis and it was brilliant to see everyone interacting and enjoying themselves.”

The Lyme Regis Jazz, Blues and Real Ale Festival in May and June will feature a real ale bar at the Marine Theatre.