CHERRIES legend Steve Fletcher threw his support behind the Big Bournemouth Beer Festival at the weekend.

It was the event’s fifth anniversary at the BIC and Supa Fletch turned up in advance to taste some of the drinks on offer.

Barrels of beer, containing 216 different types from across the country, were lined up at the venue ready for thirsty punters to swig – and Steve did not shy away from the sampling process.

The stalwart striker, who is now head of recruitment at Goldsands Stadium, grew up in a pub and heaped praise on organisers for bringing a beer festival to the town.

“The festival is great for Bournemouth and a huge event for the Easter weekend,” he added.

“There are not many festivals like this in the area and I’m pleased to be able to support it.”

However, Steve did admit that despite his upbringing, he is not the connoisseur of ales some might expect, but had been impressed by some of the quirky named beverages on offer.

He picked Bournemouth Brewery’s Wessex Wobble as his favourite.

“This one is easy on the pallet. It has a milder taste and I like that.”

He placed Flipside Brewery’s Russian Rouble in second and Sunny Republic’s Shark Head in third. Operations manager Steve Turner, who came up with the idea of hosting the festival at the BIC, said the festival had sold out and around 3,500 people were expected to show up across the three days, which also included live music and brewery representatives showing off their creations.

“We get a real mix of people attending – people who go to lots of beers festivals as well as first-timers,” he added.

“It’s great that Steve has come down. He is always very supportive.”