LOVERS of ale, food and music flooded though the gates of Abbfest last weekend as the charity festival returned after a two year pandemic-enforced hiatus.

More than 5,000 people attended the four-day event which, according to festival director Liz Cowes, exceeded all expectations despite the death of Queen Elizabeth II just over a week before the event.

‘Naturally we were all heartbroken at the death of Elizabeth II but the trustees of Abbfest decided to go ahead with the event,’ said Liz. It was a poignant festival this year that allowed us to remember her Majesty the Queen and celebrate her amazing life, and of course welcome Charles III as the new King.’

A unique feature at the event was a condolence tree for Queen Elizabeth II which was very well received with several hundred written ‘’leaves’’ being attached to it. These have been added to the Abbotskerswell Parish condolence book.

Over 200 locally produced beers and ciders were available, cooking demonstrations kept gastronauts entertained plus a live music line-up featuring headlining bands Mammoth and Horses on the Beach and a comedy surgery on the first night

‘We seemed to break records each day,’ continued Liz. ‘And of course we owe so much to our army of volunteers and sponsors who came back raring to go after two years off and without whom we wouldn’t be run Abbfest.’

Since its inception the volunteer-run festival has raised over £250,000 for charities. Money is still being counted and organisers hope to announce this year’s total in a few weeks time.