MORE than 20,000 guests turned out for the five-day Chelmsford Beer Festival, who all helped to drain thousands of pints of beer, cider and wine.

Around 250 volunteers joined organisers from the Chelmsford and Mid Essex branch of The Campaign for Real Ale, to serve punters more than 300 types of alcohol in Admirals Park.

Speaking during the event, co-organizer Graham Bishop said: “We’ve been working all around the year to organise the festival, and it’s a brilliant feeling to see it all come together.

“We’ve had great support from volunteers, there was a huge mix of people ranging from 18-80 years old.

“It’s great to see so many people come together all for the love of beer.

“There’s been a huge change in demographic over the past years, we get a lot more families and women here now, rather than only your usual ale fans.”

Mr Bishop added the shift in demographic was owed largely to the festival putting more focus into cider, perry and wine.

This year’s festival featured 340 real ales, 110 different ciders, perries and pyders and about 200 different Belgian beers, along with wine, prosecco, a dozen food vans and 10 live bands.