THERE were plenty of cheers as a new venue played host to the most successful Hampshire OctoberFest yet.

Thousands of people attended the popular annual festival, held for the first time at Basingstoke Sports and Social Club, in Fairfields Road.

The event kicked off last Friday evening with a Works Night Out, which saw a record 1,600 drinkers enjoying beers in two tents with live music across two stages. They were also able to enjoy a variety of food from different stalls, craft stalls and a fairground in Castle Field.

On Saturday and Sunday, families were also welcomed to the event, with a funfair, a go-kart track, petting zoo and other family-friendly stalls offering face-painting and craft activities on offer. There was also a snowboard simulator and bucking bronco for more adventurous punters to try.

A total of 120 beers and 60 ciders were available, and live music continued across the two marquees, one of which was sponsored by event sponsor Upham Brewery, which offered a more relaxed area with an alternative music programme and more seating.

Richard Ashworth was at the event in the main tent with four of his friends on Saturday.

The 34-year-old, from Basing-stoke, said: “It’s a good excuse to get together, have a drink and hear some live music. There’s a really good selection of beers to choose from. I think it’s important that people do support their local breweries.”

Mike Hodson, secretary of the North Hampshire branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, said the event is the group’s “flagship event”.

He said: “It is not run by us but it is the biggest event in our calendar. Every beer and cider here is brewed locally and that is really something to celebrate.

“You do hear a lot about pubs closing, and it is always sad news, but we should also be celebrating the fact that so many independent breweries are springing up. It has been a great success and it’s lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves.”

The event, which has previously been held in Milestones Museum, moved to the larger venue, to cope with its increased popularity. This year, Hampshire OctoberFest welcomed around 7,200 visitors.

Ian Smith, director of Hampshire Museums and Galleries Trust, which organises Hampshire OctoberFest, said he was pleased with the new venue. He added: “It’s perfect for us as it’s easy for people to get to from||the train station and we had groups coming from all over the country, including a hen party from London. It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves.”

He said they are already planning the event for next year, which will be held in the second week in October, so as not to clash with the Basingstoke half-marathon.

He said: “We are hoping to offer more next year, and to serve up Sunday lunches.”