FANS of real ale descended on Mold for a popular annual event.

The town's eighth Novemberfest was held over the weekend at St Mary’s Church Hall in King Street.

With a selection of ales, food and live music, the festival saw its best ever turnout according to Dave Hill, chairman of the festival's steering group.

He told the Leader: "Novemberfest was started by Mold Town Council in conjunction with Vale of Clwyd CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) to raise money for a number of other events in the town.

"This year we have enjoyed the best and most successful Novemberfest since it started.

"We sold out of virtually every beer and must have had in excess of 600 people in over the weekend.

"I would of course like to thank all of our sponsors and volunteers, who make the event possible."

Backers of the event included Hafod Brewery, Mega Electrical, New Home 4 U and many others - with barrels of beer being sponsored by a wide range of businesses.

Derek Blanchard, of Mold-based Hafod Brewery, said: "This is an important event to give us exposure, but it also gives something back to the town.

"We do like to support activities in the town."

Gareth Jones, director of Mega Electrical, said: "We do a lot of work in Mold and we want to support the community.

"Events like this are great for bringing people together and this one had a great atmosphere - it's not too busy and there's a really good selection of beers."

North Wales AM Mark Isherwood said: "It has been great to see the event grow over the years and bring so much happiness to people.

"It also raises a lot of money that then goes back to the community and subsidises other events."

Delyn AM Hannah Blythyn, who showcased Hafod Brewery at an event at the National Assembly for Wales earlier this year, said: "Mold has a range of wonderful events and it is great to promote what we have on offer here."

Jane Evans, Mold Town Council's events and community engagement officer, said: "I would like to express a big thanks to our sponsors and our volunteers."

Alison McLean, Vale of Clwyd CAMRA Social Secretary, added: "Vale of Clwyd CAMRA were once again pleased to support Mold's 8th NovemberFest. The beer list this year included beers from new Welsh breweries not seen before at the festival, CAMRA award-winners and some old favourites. One of the new breweries included was one recently started by one of our very own CAMRA members Heather & Clwyd Roberts from Ruthin.

"Also at the festival, was a craft keg bar providing additional variety to the excellent selection of beers on offer, along with some incredible ciders. As always, we were very proud of the number of different styles chosen for the festival and of the great condition of the beers, all down to the knowledge & experience of some of our long-standing members.

"The UK beer scene is such an exciting and varied place at the moment, so that there is something for everyone. As a long-time CAMRA member, I love the welcome people are given in our club, no matter their gender, background or most importantly, their beer tastes! What with our meetings, trips to breweries and festivals, we have formed some great friendships over the years, and all over the love of real ale.

"And for me, Mold NovemberFest is definitely the highlight of the Vale of Clwyd CAMRA calendar. Roll on next year!"