THE Derby Beer Festival has opened its doors to the first of an expected 10,000 thirsty punters.
Queues on the Market Place had grown leading in anticipation of the 6.30pm start.
And once the gates were opened and beer was flowing there was no stopping the hundreds of real ale fans.
AJ Taylor travelled from Sawley to sup the local brews.
The 76-year-old said: "I have been to every single Derby festival. I always come down on the first night to get one of the festival glasses.
"You always run the risk of not being able to try all the beers as well if you don't come on the first night which is always a disappointment.
"We are so lucky to have the brewing scene that we do in Derby.
"If you couldn't get a good pint here there would be something seriously wrong. You only have to fall out of the railway station for a good pint."
The festival is under canvas for the second year and features more than 290 beers, with at least one from each of the Derbyshire breweries.
Organiser Russ Gilbert was breathing a sigh of relief as the festival got underway.
He said: "It is always nerve-racking before everything starts.
"But once you see people queuing up and everyone having a great time then it is all worth it.
"The Assembly Rooms fire gave us a bit of a scare but the effort from the Derby Live team and the rest of organising group has been phenomenal.
"If anyone hasn't been to one before I would say just come down and see what it is all about."
Tracy and Lee Blower made the short trip from their home in Chester Green to the festival.
Tracy said: "We were in Edinburgh for their beer festival last year so we missed the Derby one.
"We go all over the country for events and even to America. The British ones are the best though."
Today THURS drinkers can get in for £1 before 5.30pm and £5 thereafter. On Friday, July 11, the price is £2 before and £6 after 5.30pm.
Entry on the Saturday will be £3 before 5.30pm and £6 afterwards.
The final Sunday session, between midday and 2pm is free to all. Visit www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/buy-tickets for more details.
