MORE than 1,000 people taste tested beers, wines and ciders at an annual festival by the river.

Manningtree Beer Festival, held on the town’s beach, has been branded an overwhelming success for its 15th year.

Peter Shakespeare, one of the organisers, said: “With an incoming tide, the setting provided a great atmosphere for people to meet up with friends, enjoy the beach and of course sample the drinks on offer.

“Record numbers attending on the Friday was a challenge for the organisers but overall all went well.

“We have listened to feedback from the public on how to speed up the entry process and it’s also great to receive comments on other aspects such as recycling waste, increasing rubbish bins around the beach area and even a suggestion to consider waiving the entrance fee to anyone bringing their own drinking vessel - not glass though.”

Saturday afternoon included music from local bands and after being sold out on Sundays for the past few years the event was set to end on Saturday but did open the following day.

Peter added: “Once we have settled up our costs we will be making donations to local charities and we are confident that again we will be able to match last year‘s figure of £2,500.

“So a big success again and thanks to the Stour Sailing Club for allowing us to use their marquee.”