PINTS, pies and perfect weather were top of the menu as the Old Town Beer and Cider Festival returned for a 5th round this weekend.

The beer and cider was flowing as festival guests gathered for the annual event at Christ Church and whiled away the afternoon with a vast selection of locally sourced brews.

For the first time in its five-year history, the event ran over two days with an evening session on Friday and a 10 hour gathering on Saturday.

Visitors to the beer bonanza sipped their pints in style from complimentary chalices.

Sam Bullas of the Swindon Wildcats officially opened the event on Saturday May 6, signed autographs and sampled a 'Wild Cat' beer.

Organiser Chris Smith said he was delighted with the bubbly atmosphere at this year’s event

He said: “I am very pleased with the turn-out, it’s something I look forward to each year and it is great to see so many beer and cider fans here.

“I just love the atmosphere, it’s great to see the community coming together and enjoying the day with a great selection of drinks.

“One of the most popular items has been the Sloe Gin cider by Broadoak. It’s very refreshing and the flavours work really well together.”

Among the more unusual offerings on the menu included the Choc Orange Delight old ale, a chilli and ginger scrumpy cider and a Christmas pudding beer.

Best mates Chris Carlton and Lee Meredith, from Freshbrook and Westlea were enjoying their first year at the renowned festival. The duo enjoyed a pint of Hobgoblin Gold , a malty, bitter-sweet and fruit beer and Moonshine Rum and Raisin Cider.

Chris said: “We love beer so this has been perfect and the beer and cider has been outstanding. It’s the perfect setting too.

Lee added: “There’s a really good atmosphere in here, everyone seems to be having a great time and I am really impressed by how they put it all together.”

Another popular choice was Lupulo Gold, a slightly floral blend of lager and malt hops, was created especially for the event in honour of joint sponsors the Hop Inn and Los Gatos.

Pies, burgers and hot dogs were served up by Wilson’s Butchers, of Old Town with Il Capricorno putting on a host of pizza slices, and the Friends of Christ Church laying on rolls. For dessert there was beer flavoured ice-cream from Rays and tiffins from GlamoRose Cakes.

This year's festival supported Phoenix Enterprises which supports training and employment opportunities for people with mental health issues, and the Rotary club of Swindon Old Town. The rest of the proceeds will go back into the church and its community centre.