MORE than double the expected numbers turned up to enjoy a variety of local beers and ciders at the Somerley Estate at the weekend.

The Somerley Beer and Cider Festival, now in its fifth year, attracted some 3,500 people, chiefly families, who came to sample the 189 beverages on offer, alongside local booze from New Forest Wines in Ringwood.

The event, held in the estate’s walled garden at Ellingham, included wine tasting sessions, a Pimms tent and live music from Luciee Closier - star of BBC’s The Voice - among others.

Estate manager Chris Tomasin-Foster said: “The first year we had 300 visitors and the event has slowly grown since then.

“It has been rather weather dependent. For the past three years it has rained, but this year was the best weather we have had.

“This year we have had almost 3,500 people which is much bigger than we thought.”

Performing as well as Luciee Closier was acoustic trio Back To The Shack and singer-songwriter Tom Bertram, and the entertainment was briefly interrupted at one point so a few brave souls could attempt the Yard of Ale Competition.

“We limit it to 10 people who get up on stage with a big timing clock behind them,” said Mr Tomasin-Foster.

“It isn’t particularly serious. Most of the beer ends up on the floor.”

The musical entertainment was brought to a close with a selection of saxophone tinged covers performed by Box Party.

The event, which included camping for those who didn’t fancy the drive home afterwards, also had on offer a variety of children’s entertainments including a bouncy castle, face painting and a mini shooting range for youngsters.

A wide range of tasty treats were on offer to help wash down all the beer, from the likes of DDS Crêperie, UK Bratwurst Co, The Swinging Grill and New Forest Bacon.

Purveyors of fine ales and ciders represented included Dark Star Brewery, the Isle of Purbeck Brewery, Moles Brewery, Upham Brewery, Wessex Brewery and White Horse Brewery, and others from across the south west and even further afield.