The Hill House at Happisburgh, where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote The Adventure of the Dancing Men in 1903. Photo: Denise Bradley: EDP Archant Norfolk pics © 2006

A historic pub on the north Norfolk coast is getting ready to say “cheers” to hundreds of ale lovers.

The annual Hill House beer festival Solstice, in Happisburgh, is now in its 12th year and owners Clive and Sue Stockton are putting the final touches to next week’s event.

The festival will be home to more than 100 beers, cider and perries during the five day drink-feast and will be accompanied by a variety of live music.

Mr Stockton, who bought the pub more than 20 years ago, said the festival would be all about the appreciation of ale.

“We’ve got 77 beers and 30 ciders and perries all on at the same time,” he said.

“They will be coming from all over the country from the Isle of Orkney off mainland Scotland, north and south Wales, one from each county in England and plenty from Norfolk.”

The festival will take place in the pub’s beer garden from noon on Thursday and will kick off with a jam session from a local musician followed by a traditional New Orleans-style jazz band.

Other acts across the five days include Old Mother Black Cat, Blind Tiger, Big Black Cadillac, Frankie Martin and Egypt.

There will also be some toe-tapping action from North Walsham dancers Weaver’s Morris.

But Mr Stockson emphasised that the event is a beer festival first and hoped to see as many as 900 people turn up to enjoy it.

He said: “Happisburgh as a venue is very special and I’m excited - there’s a huge range.”

● The Solstice beer festival will take place between June 21-25 and is £5 for entry (valid all weekend) and includes a free festival glass.