A TOP beer festival attracted more than 600 thirsty customers to sample craft beers, lagers and ales.

Nearly 40 locally-produced beverages were on tap at the 16th Denbigh Beer Festival, organised by the Denbigh Round Table. The volunteer committee put more cider behind the bar following its popularity at last year’s round, as well as prosecco and non-alcoholic alternatives.

Some of the highlights on offer at Denbigh Town Hall on Saturday, September 28 included Henllan brewer Tom McNeill’s award-winning Heavy Industry, Sion y Bodiau, Red Dragon and ales by Bragdy Nant Dinbych, brewed just 12 feet away from the festival doors.

Additions this year included eco-friendly beer glasses and an outdoor marquee. Supplementing the pints was live music entertainment from Jacob Elwy, Keenan Jones and headliners Yubaba, a seven-piece funk, soul and reggae band.

The event was expected to raise more than £8,000 with all funds donated to Cystic Fibrosis, Cancer Research and the Friends of Ysgol Brondyffryn, the regional centre of excellence for teaching children on the autistic spectrum.

David Jones, chairman of Denbigh Round Table, the charitable trust for men aged 18-45, said: “The beer festival is by far our biggest fundraiser, it’s such a great event that brings the community together and the money raised from the day literally saves lives.

“This year we have donated money for many cancer charities alongside support for families who have had unfortunate life changing events.”

The festival is now an established event on many ale lovers’ calendars and as the event has grown in popularity so has the demands of organising it.

Joanne Morris, chairperson of Friends of Ysgol Brondyffryn, said the donation was “very exciting” as it will help the school fund its outdoor learning environment including sensory and horticultural equipment.

Rhodri Jones, organiser for Denbigh Round Table, said: “We had another successful beer festival on Saturday and it was great to see so many people having fun whilst raising money for charity.

“It is a lot of work to organise and run the festival, but it is all worth it when you see the enjoyment it brings.”