REAL ale enthusiasts can enjoy a right royal knees-up at this year’s Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival.

Hosted at The Courtyard on Main Cross Road, from Thursday, April 28, to Sunday, May 1, the festival will once again be flying the flag for the very best East Anglian beers and ciders.

The event is organised by the award-winning Blackfriars Brewery, which is producing a special Royal Wedding-themed ale for the occasion.

Drinkers can toast the marriage of William and Kate, which takes place on the Friday of the festival, with a patriotic pint of Honey Moon, a golden ale flavoured with stem ginger and pure Norfolk honey.

A Royal Wedding-themed fancy dress competition takes place on Friday and there is live music on Saturday evening.

More than 60 locally-produced beers and ciders will be on tap, with a selection of tasty snacks available from Mary’s Country Kitchen.

Opened in 2004, Blackfriars brought brewing back to Yarmouth 36 years after the closure of Lacon’s brewery.

The brewery moved into The Courtyard, a former fish-packing factory a stone’s throw from the sea front, three years ago.

It now boasts a visitor centre detailing the history of beer-making in Yarmouth, and a fully licensed brewery tap.

Blackfriars owner Bill Russell said: “The festival is going to be full of good beer, good fun and good times. I am thrilled to have the event here so people can take in the brewery and The Courtyard.

“We are very proud that the festival is now part of the social calendar of Great Yarmouth and this is another exciting development for the event in a different venue.

“There will be about 15 Blackfriars beers on tap, and a great selection available from other top breweries and local cider makers.

“Once again, musical entertainment is being provided during evening sessions and, of course, drinkers can watch the Royal Wedding on TV.”

Now in its fifth year, previous beer festivals were held at the Priory Centre during the Whitsun bank holiday weekend.

A beer and cider-making competition is taking place in the run up to the festival this year. For more information and entry forms call Blackfriars Brewery on 01493 850578.

The Mercury is the proud media sponsor of the Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival and discounted tickets are available in advance to readers.

To get the session you want, it is advisable to book early through the Mercury.

Just fill in the order form, right, and return it to the address at the bottom of the form.