A POPULAR beer festival, which has been running for more than two decades, saw people descend on a Basingstoke community centre to enjoy an evening of ales.

Around 200 people turned out for the 22nd Hatch Warren Beer Festival, where they were able to choose from 32 different ales and beers from local breweries across the region.

Among the drinks available on the night were Green Bullet, brewed in Sherfield Village brewery, Willie’s Organ, made in Botley, and Golden Poacher, brewed in Basingstoke’s Longdog brewery.

There was also a choice of five ciders and a few wines on offer, and drinkers were able to enjoy some live music, performed on the night by band Brobed Stils.

Stuart Colman, chairman of Hatch Warren Community Association, said the organisers hoped to raise around £1,000.

He said: “The community centre was pretty much at capacity and everyone seemed to be having a really good time.

“It’s nice to be able to support local breweries and to let people have a chance to try beers and ales they wouldn’t otherwise find. It’s not like these drinks are in the shops.”

The community association also runs a cider festival in the spring, and a lager festival in the summer. All profits go back in to the community to provide facilities and to put on additional events for those who live in the Hatch Warren area.