Organisers of the 17th annual Sulby Glen Hotel Beer, Cider and Gin Festival have hailed the event a big success.

Over the six days of the festival visitors from all parts of the island came to sample and comment on the selection of beers, ciders and gins available.

Organiser Rosemary Christian said: ’Thanks must go not only to those involved in the making of the event but the Manx public who supported it.

’From a tarpaulin on the dining room floor and eight beers, to a professionally set up racking and cooling system with 25 different craft ales from the island and the UK, the event has certainly come a long way since our first in 1993.’

The event was the first time that all six island breweries were together under one roof, each displaying their brews.

Bumble Honey Beer from Lancashire’s Bowland Brewery was declared as the champion beer of the festival.

Oddfellows Grand Master was the champion cider and the champion gin was Fynoderee Summer.

There were also two surprise brews from Odin’s Manx Beer; ’Dan the Mann’ a chocolate and fresh mint brew and ’Rosie’s Revenge’ a chocolate and Scotch Bonnet delight best served with caution.

Mrs Christian added: ’Special thanks must go to Heron and Brearley for its continued support with the festival, obtaining and delivering all the UK-imported beers.

’Their very professional technical services team also arranged and built the racking and cooling system for the beers once here.

’Thanks should also go to those CAMRA members who volunteered to help on the bar throughout.’

The festival’s film night and charity events were very well supported raising funds for the Joey Dunlop Foundation, the Auto-Cycle Union Benevolent Fund and the Ramsey RNLI.