CIDER drinkers from as far as Yorkshire and North Wales joined thousands from Monmouthshire at the Welsh Perry and Cider Festival, held at Caldicot Castle last weekend (28th to 30th May).

Pictured are Rich Williams from Williams Brothers Cider and Andy Hallett from Hallets Real Cider after a successful cider championship battle.

Organiser Cressida Slater said: “It was the fourth consecutive year that the Welsh Cider Festival has been held at Caldicot Castle and it has been our busiest so far. The sunshine and the setting could not be better for sampling fine craft cider and listening to the best of our local talent.”

Crowds donated generously to the weekend’s official charity, Help for Heroes.

Visiting the crowds was Hero the Bear, who was a big hit with the many children on Monday’s family day.

The stall also ran a printing workshop using apples and pears, some of which were kindly donated by Waitrose Monmouth.