THE beer was flowing, the burgers were sizzling, the music was loud, the conversation even louder. It could only be the 43rd annual Beerex which took place last weekend at Farnham Maltings.

It is not yet known how much had been raised at this year’s mother of all fundraisers but last year the total exceeded £39,000 and since 1977, when it all began, more than £900,000 has been raised, all of it for local charities – and what a joy to do so in such a convivial way.

There are two things about Beerex which make it extra special. The first is, of course, the beer. Many are local, and included a new one from Tilford to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Maltings itself, some come from further afield – the furthest being the Orkneys.

Among the 65 available were ‘unfined’ ones – cloudy but tending to have more flavour and often vegan – several gluten-free ones and something for every palate.

My companion for the evening tended towards pale ales while I preferred porters and stouts – Siren Craft’s Broken Dream was indeed a dream and Little Ox’s Filthy Rich was worth every penny.

But it is not just the beer – or the cider for that matter. Yes, people come back year after year to drink, but they also come back because this must be one of the best-natured festivals around.

It’s a place where people come to meet friends, where people bring their children once they reach 18, and a couple of decades on, start bringing their grandchildren too.

Beerex is noisy, it’s crowded, and above all it is convivial. Long may we raise our glasses to it!