FANS of craft ales and ciders had a fan-cask-tic day at Haverfordwest Castle this weekend, celebrating the town’s ninth annual beer and cider festival.

More than 1,000 people came to sample a host of brews from across Wales, including offering from local breweries Bluestone, Gwaun Valley, Pembrokeshire Brewing, Caffle, Mantle and Tenby Brewing Co, and local ciders and fruit wines.

Stomachs were lined with tasty tucker from Trehale Farm and cute cupcakes, and younger visitors enjoyed exploring the historic castle, and getting their faces painted.

Live music included performances from Blue Box, Gareth James, Two Zone, Skylarks, Nigel ‘On the Bins’ orchard, Whisky Business, Lightship, Puffin Brass, Sam and Scott, and Brian Merzer.

Despite drizzle bringing the third day of festivities to an early finish on Sunday evening, organiser Richard Blacklaw-Jones said the festival had been as ‘hop-ular’ as ever.

“It’s always a great pleasure to see so many people having a great time, and travelling from far and wide to see what Haverfordwest has to offer,” he said.

“It puts a big smile on our faces.”

Richard said the festival was also a fantastic opportunity for smaller breweries to showcase new brews.

Next year the festival celebrates its tenth anniversary, and Richard said he is interested to hear from anyone who has creative ideas to mark the milestone, or would like to get involved by volunteering.

He also thanked this year’s team, without whose ‘invaluable’ assistance the festival could not happen.

Sharon Bannister, who co-owns Caffle Brewery, in Llawhaden, said she was happy to support such a great local event.

“It’s a way to showcase what a good selection of beers Pembrokeshire has to offer,” she said.