REAL ale connoisseurs in Swindon were in their element at the tenth annual Swindon and Cricklade Railway Ale and Cider Festival over the weekend.

Seventeen ales and ten ciders from across the country were on offer at the Blunsdon steam train station for the three-day event.

Going down particularly well was the Flint Knapper and the unrefined real mango ale Mango Libation, both from Ramsbury Brewery.

Graham White from Liden told the Adver while clutching a pint of the fruity ale: “It’s a really fantastic day. If you know mangoes, that’s exactly what it tastes like.

“That’s why I come along, to try the new beers you couldn’t get anywhere else. I’ve only got a couple more I want to try. To have this selection is just superb. It’s everything you could ever wish for.

“It’s a lovely choice for Swindon. Swindon has a lack of choice normally so it’s really nice - I’m really impressed.”

Local band Toxic played the first set on Saturday followed by Retro who performed a mix of rock ‘n roll covers.

Some felt the weather forecast for rain in the evening meant people were put off from coming down.

Organiser of the music Bill Daly, from Lydiard Millicent, said: “The threat of rain put some people off. It’s the same as today. It’s not as busy as it was this time last year, but as you can see it’s a really nice day so far.

“I’ve been trying out the ales, I haven’t had a lot, only one and a half yesterday, but I’ll expect I’ll have a few later on.”

The 2138 Swordfish train was running a service on the Cricklade line up to Hayes Knoll station and back down past the festival at Blunsdon to Taw Valley Halt.

Train enthusiast Bill Thorpe, from Swindon, said: “It’s always a good time up here. I come every year for this. What more can you ask for? Steam trains, beer and live music.

“Even the weather is staying quite good. But the forecast hasn’t been too clever this year.

“There’ll be a bit more beer flowing later and once the music gets going, and if the rain holdes off then hopefully we’ll get a few more people down here.

“It’s always good to support the railways and our local heritage. I’ve been supporting Swindon and Cricklade Railway for a number of years now. It’s good to see Swordfish running today. It’s definitely my favourite.”