An estimated 3,000 pints were consumed over the course of the festival, which featured beers from as far away as Yorkshire, Wales and London as well as more local brews from both the Ramsbury and Wadworths breweries in Wiltshire.
Director Nick Arkell said the event made a fitting tribute to the former head of the brewery Peter Arkell, who died on August 27. “It was great – we have not run it for a few years because it takes so much organising but he would have loved it and I’m sad he’s not here,” he said.
Nick Arkell also explained that “All the staff give up their time, the other family brewers across the country send us barrels and everything goes to charity. We have always supported Prospect because it’s a great organisation for local people".
In 2007 the event raised about £5,000 and organisers said they hoped this year’s festival, which saw about 800 people visit the historic brewery, will match that total.
The Mayor of Swindon and the Best of Swindon both strongly support the Prospect Hospice.
