HAPPY drinkers have said "cheers" to organisers of Bromsgrove's record-breaking ale and cider festival - responding to criticism from those who vented their anger over the event running out of beer.

While some took to social networking sites to criticise the organisers from Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA - Campaign for Real Ale - others have sprung to their defence.

Wendy Kings posted: "Brilliant weekend, well done to all concerned."

Jules Evans described the critics as "just whingers" and commented upon "the great range of beers, the fabulous volunteers" and "great atmosphere".

And Wayne Tucker said: "U lot done brilliantly."

A record 1,800 people flocked to the 13th Bromsgrove Beer and Cider Festival at the town's rugby club in Finstall Road on Friday night, leading to CAMRA ordering in five more casks of beer and 28 more boxes and pins of cider ready for Saturday.

The 80 volunteers manning the tent were rushed off their feet.

Tony Colclough, spokesman for CAMRA, said the positive comments on social networking sites on Friday night fuelled more people to attend the next day.

By 3pm on Saturday, organisers were forced to close the beer tent to newcomers because stocks were down to below 10 per cent and "every last drop" of the 9,000 pints of beer and 2,900 pints of cider had gone by 6pm - three hours before the festival was supposed to close.

People were still able to order drinks from bars manned by the rugby club, which also staged live music from the Blackwell Concert Band, Redditch Music School and Purple Shades to keep revellers in the festival mood.

Mr Colclough says the organisers were a "victim" of their own success.

The extra beer ordered in had to be the "bright" variety, without yeast, because real ale needs to settle before being served.

In previous years the organisers have had to throw away beer left over at the end of the festival and they say it is a "difficult balance" to anticipate demand.

"We had a back-up plan, we implemented it," said Mr Colclough.

"It may not have been right and we are sorry that people were disappointed at what was a great afternoon for many on the field enjoying a day in the sunshine with their families and friends."

CAMRA signed up 70 new members over the weekend, increasing its manpower in campaigning to keep pubs open and promote real ale and cider.

Mr Colclough paid tribute to the 80 volunteers who "worked tirelessly" over the last six months to plan the festival and put in many hours over the weekend.

And he added: "On a positive note, since we didn’t have beer left over this year, we should be able to increase the budget with CAMRA HQ for next year to have even more beer."