WITH a brand new venue, a bigger choice of food and drink than ever before, some 2,500 people through the doors and hundreds of pounds raised for good causes around the town, it was a case of “cheers” all round for the 2019 Helensburgh Beer and Gin Festival.

From virtually the moment the doors opened on the Friday evening until after the sun had set on Saturday night, the event’s new home – Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre in East Clyde Street – was abuzz with activity as people flocked from far and wide to an event which looks to be well on the way to justifying the organisers’ description of it as “the best wee festival in the west”.

READ MORE: Dates confirmed for three major Helensburgh events

Beer from all over Scotland and beyond – with Leeds, Huddersfield and Tenby on the south Wales coast just a few of the locations featuring on the ‘guest beer’ list – were joined by several gin distillers, a rum bar, a cider bar (the latter so popular that supplies were beginning to run low by lunchtime on Saturday!) and even a Prosecco bar staffed by the ladies of Helensburgh Netball Club.

A hog roast, curries, paella, burgers and more ensured that nobody who came along to the event went away hungry, while a succession of talented musicians provided the perfect live soundtrack to the occasion.

The Helensburgh and District Round Table, who organised the festival, said afterwards on the event’s Facebook page: “Thanks so much to everyone who came along to support the event, we hope you had a great time.

“We loved the new venue, new bars, food, bands and set up, and we hope you did too.

“Thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors and suppliers for making it the biggest and best festival we’ve ever run, with over 2,500 guests over the two days.

“Thanks for your patience when queuing at some of our bars too.”

READ MORE: Cardross Primary School gala day in pictures

A spokesman for Argyll and Bute Council added: “We were pleased to welcome the Helensburgh Beer and Gin Festival to the Civic Centre for the first time, and by all accounts it was thoroughly enjoyed by the more than 2,500 people who attended over the two days.

“We thank the community for getting behind this event, all of the suppliers who took part, and the staff who ensured the event ran smoothly.”