Shropshire: Cambrian Heritage Railways beer festival nearly drunk dry

The Cambrian Heritage Railways event came to the Oswestry to Weston Wharf line over three days.

The seventh edition of the festival ran from Friday, June 2, until Sunday, June 4.

But with beverages nearly being sold out by the end of the second day they had to reduce the number of tickets for the final day.

Rob Williams, chairman of Cambrian Heritage Railways (CHR) said the event was a great achievement.

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He said: “Our first beer festival since the opening of the Oswestry to Weston Wharf heritage line was an unbridled success.

“The festival beers and bar were located for the first time in our genuine Victorian goods shed – a venue providing a unique insight into the workings of a Victorian railway.

“Demand was so high we were forced to reduce ticket availability on the final day as we had been nearly drunk dry.”

The festival saw over 15 ales and four ciders from nine real ale breweries and two cider producers - more than double their previous events - on sale.

On Saturday night, CHR took to its Facebook to announce the removal of tickets for the last day.

It read: “Due to unprecedented demand, we do not have enough beer left to take any more bookings, with that in mind we have taken the decision to remove tickets from sale for tomorrow Sunday, June 4.”

Besides the high demand of beverages, Stonehouse Brewery also hosted a barbecue each night, from 5pm, which raised more funds for the work done by CHR.

Mr Williams added: “The festival has provided much-needed funds for our charitable work and is part of a range of events within this year's timetable.”

More events from CHR this summer include a Father’s Day Special, where every dad accompanied by their family will get half-price travel, with a complimentary tea or coffee, handpicked from their First Class Buffet.

In July, they are holding a Fish and Chip Special fundraising event, where they are trying to bring some sea-side nostalgia to the town. Pre-booking for this event is advised.

Another summer event from CHR will be the Model Railways Show where over the course of the two day event, they will have up to seven displays in the station building at Oswestry including one ex-Cambrian Heritage Railways model.

For more details on these events visit www.cambrianrailways.com/chr