HASLEMERE Beer Festival returns to Haslemere Hall this weekend.

The festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary and the organisers estimate nearly 25,000 pints have been consumed since it started.

It is now one of the area’s leading beer festivals with people coming from across the South East and beyond to sample the best regional ales.

More than 1,000 drinkers are expected to attend on Friday, September 9, and Saturday, September 10.

More than 50 great ales, ciders and perries, a range of live music and local food have proved a winning formula to pull in the crowds.

Several breweries have used the festival to launch new beers and it’s hoped it will be the case again this year.

The two evenings sessions are from 7-11pm and feature a number of local bands. The Saturday lunchtime session between midday and 4pm has a more laid back atmosphere with a chance to chat to some of the brewers attending.

The not-for-profit event is run by volunteers and supports nominated charities.

Charities that have been supported in previous years include Action for A-T, Haslemere Hall, emergency blood service SERV, Round Table Children’s Wish and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Many local businesses support the festival with the principal sponsor once again Met Therm Windows.

Beer festival chairman Simon Labrow said: “I’m delighted we are celebrating our 10th anniversary year – an amazing achievement having grown from an initial mad idea between a couple of friends. We have always specialised in beers from Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire and some specials from further afield and this years’ list of beers is the best ever, our cellar man Jay Seldon has really excelled himself.

The festival looks to support local brewers, create a great atmosphere which brings the local community together and to raise money for charity. Join us and drink for charity!”

Limited numbers of tickets are available – book from Haslemere Hall, in Bridge Road, by calling 01428 642161 or online at www.haslemerehall.co.uk .

More information can be found at www.haslemerebeerfestival.co.uk or via the festival’s Facebook page or on Twitter @Haslemere Beer.