The sun came out in time for a warm welcome to first arrivals at Gateshead Beer & Music Festival on Friday afternoon where a competition was already heating up inside the clubhouse.
The popular community festival is making a return to pre-pandemic form this weekend for the first time since 2019 and, with bars fully stocked and the music stage prepped, the beer was flowing even before the official launch at 2pm. Judging was under way in a regional competition and there were plenty brews to sample.
SIBA - the Society of Independent Brewers - had again picked Gateshead Rugby Football Club's festival to host its beer competition and Friday's winner - selected from entries across the North East and Yorkshire - will go on to the national finals.
