ILKEY Beer Festival opened with a bang as 600 people packed into the Winter Gardens to sample the beers on offer.

"We had the first Ilkley Beer Festival just before lockdown in 2020," said Mark Hickabottom, Ilkley Round Table member who helps at the festival. "We didn't have one last year, so it was fantastic to see everybody back again."

Judging by the 600 people who attended today's opening afternoon session, the weekend will be a success for festival-goers, organisers and charities who benefit from the event's proceeds.

"There's going to be 600 people at each session (today and tomorrow's afternoon and evening sessions), so there will be 2,400 people attending over the weekend.

"Everyone is definitely ready to get back," added Mark. "We've got 120 beers on this year, which is a great selection.

"We have beers from Ilkley Brewery, Bini Brewery (a new Ilkley brewery), Saltaire Brewery and beers from breweries further afield, most of which are northern.

"There's a good selection of beers - a lot of them are different types that you couldn't find in the shops.

"All profits from the event go to Ilkley Round Table who give the funds to good causes. The first festival raised a fantastic £40,000 for charity."