About 6,500 visitors downed more than 11,000 pints of real ale, 2,000 pints of cider, 1,000 pasties and five whole pigs at this year's Abbfest Beer and Food Festival, held at Fermoy's Garden Centre between September 25 and 27.It was so busy that organisers estimate that takings were up 50 per cent on last year – welcome news for a number of charities, including Children's Hospice South West – and several of the 60 Devon food and craft stall holders were unable to return on the Sunday as they had completely sold out of their stock.As well as making the most of the products on offer on the stalls, the visitors, who enjoyed a weekend in the sunshine, were entertained by local jazz and soul groups and sampled the 120 different ales.'It was amazing. People just kept on coming,' said Sarah Dumont, development manager at Fermoy's. 'Everybody was having a fantastic time and we couldn't believe the amount of beer and food that was consumed. 'The atmosphere was great – it is a real family day out with lots to see and do for everyone.' BBC Radio Devon's Judi Spiers was a guest on Saturday morning, when she spent an hour talking to the stall holders and tasting their food.Left: Charlotte Coate pours a pint.