Isle of Man real ale festival plans expansion

Beers from all over the British Isles will be served at the three-day festival on the Isle of Man

A real ale festival in the Isle of Man which proved so popular in ran out of beer will return bigger and better in April, organisers have said.

In its inaugural year, more than 4,500 pints of beer and 800 pints of cider and perry were served during the three-day Camra Real Ale Festival in Douglas.

Organiser Alan Cooper, said last year's turnout was "beyond his wildest dreams" but "this year will be even better."

The festival will be held at the Masonic Hall in Douglas.

Up to 1,500 people attended last year's festival with more than 60 ales from all over the British Isles on offer alongside ciders, perries and fruit wines.

RNLI supported

This year, organisers said more than 100 brews will be available including dozens of local ales.

Mr Cooper said: "The event proved so popular last year that more than half the beers had run out by the second day and all the beer sold out completely during the final evening.

"In the end it just gave people the chance to try the ciders and perries. This year we are expanding to accommodate the interest with more drinks and more space to enjoy them, with a marquee."

Organisers hope the festival can become an established annual event.

Beers are sold in third and half pint measures, as well as full pints.

Several local brews were launched at the festival, which raised around £1,000 for the Isle of Man TT Marshals' Association.

This year the RNLI has been chosen as the event's "good cause".