Raising a glass to Portsmouth's Christmas Beer Festival

HUNDREDS raised a big glass of ale in festive celebration as the Portsmouth Christmas Beer Festival got under way last night.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th Dec 2016, 06:00 BST

Updated 17th Dec 2016, 10:06 BST

From left, University of Portsmouth students Clement Dallard, from France, Phil Lentz, from Denmead and Jake Smith, from Essex, at the Portsmouth Beer Festival Picture:

Loughlan Campbell — From left, University of Portsmouth students Clement Dallard, from France, Phil Lentz, from Denmead and Jake Smith, from Essex, at the Portsmouth Beer Festival Picture: Loughlan Campbell

More than 100 cask ales were available for the guests while Chic and Nile Rodgers tribute act Le Freak headlined festivities.

Students Phil Lentz, from Denmead, Jake Smith, from Essex and Clement Dallard, from France were enjoying the wide variety of ales.

Phil, 24, said: ‘It’s great to see more beer festivals coming to Portsmouth and I try to come to as many as I can. I’m a real ale lover and I’m going to try as many as I can as it’s tasting pretty good!

‘There’s also a wide variety of local ales as well which is nice to see.’

Hundreds more are expected at tonight’s event, which kicks off at 6pm with tribute act Fleetingwood Mac headlining.