PUNTERS flocked to the return of an ever-popular winter beer festival.

Showcasing more than 120 different varieties of beer, along with cider, perry, wine and soft drinks for the designated drivers, hundreds of revellers attended Colchester Arts Centre across the four days.

Now in its 12th year, the event has become a staple of the town’s calendar, and is organised and run by volunteers from Colchester Camra.

Paul Duffield, publicity officer for Colchester Camra, said: “It was definitely an increase from last year in terms of visitor numbers.

“There was definitely a new crowd and a lot of people said they had seen the event through social media. It is encouraging for the future.

“It was good fun but tiring for all of the volunteers.

“All in all it was a definite success and better than previous years.

“The event will be back next year and of course we are back in May for the summer beer festival.

“It is slightly longer and attendance is slightly higher than the winter festival because of the time of year.”