The February festival, which has a sister event in the summer, was the 30th renewal since started in 2002, and the people who attended helped give out donations totalling more than £11,000 to good causes.
Trustee Louise Parker said: “Seventeen different charities received donations which will be used to support babies, children and adults of all ages.
“There were donations for sports groups, gardeners and Scouts, and the retired looking for something practical to do with their spare time. It was amazing to hear about all the charities in Alton that are supporting every aspect of our community in so many ways.”
The charity recipients were the 3rd Alton Scout Group, Alton Buckle Children’s Partnership, Alton Community Association, Alton & District Sports Council, Alton Hockey Club, Alton Infant School Garden Club, Alton Local Food Initiative, Brendoncare, Broadlands Riding for the Disabled, Chawton Park Indoor Bowls Club’s Junior League, Four Marks & Ropley Scouts, Hart Wildlife Trust, The Kings Arms Name Youth Project, The Limes Day Care Centre, Alton Men’s Shed, NCT Alton & Bordon branch, Treloar School and College, and two Alton residents.
It raises the amount handed out in the last 16 years from the bi-annual Alton beer festivals to more than £221,000.
The festival organisers have expressed “a huge thank you” to sponsors Triple fff Brewing and Bourne Estate Agents, as well as “those breweries whose continued generosity helps raise money for such a diverse range of charities”.
As well as the charities receiving their donations, the awards for the winter festival champion beers were acknowledged. These are voted for by festival attendees and nearly every beer or cider received at least one vote.
The champion beer in February was Murmuration produced by Iain, from Red Cat Brewing in Winchester.
The silver award went to The Chiltern Brewery’s 300 Old Ale, while bronze was awarded to the Little Beer Company, which is based in Guildford, with their Little Vienna ale.
Requests for a donation from future festivals can be registered at any time and are considered after each festival.
The summer beer festival is scheduled for June 1-2 and tickets are available online and in pubs.
To get involved or for more details, visit altonbeerfestival.org.uk.