A SPECIAL brew is set to make this year's Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival a right royal occasion.Organisers are hoping to crown the success of last year's event, which attracted more than 1,000 drinkers, with a medieval style tipple inspired by the town's King John Charter celebration.

A SPECIAL brew is set to make this year's Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival a right royal occasion.

Organisers are hoping to crown the success of last year's event, which attracted more than 1,000 drinkers, with a medieval style tipple inspired by the town's King John Charter celebration.

The light-coloured coriander and orange flavoured beer is sure to go down a treat with real ale enthusiasts at the Beer Festival from May 23 to 26.

The first of 600 litres of the ale have already been bottled at the award-winning Blackfriars Brewery in Queens Road.

The historic Priory Centre will play host to the festival, a showcase for small independent breweries throughout Norfolk and North Suffolk.

And for the first time this year a range of locally produced ciders and perries will be on tap adding extra zest to the occasion.

A medley of skiffle, blues, folk and rock and roll are expected to be amongst the musical entertainment on offer at the festival throughout the Whitsun bank holiday weekend.

Founded in 2005, Blackfriars has since gone from strength to strength since rolling out it first barrels, winning the champion beer award at the Norwich Beer festival the following year.

Blackfriars owner Bill Russell said: “We are looking to build on the great success of last year's festival. Once again we will be celebrating the range of good quality beers currently produced by small local breweries.

“We decided to introduce ciders following popular requests from drinkers after last year's festival so hopefully it will widen the appeal of the festival even further.”

The Mercury is again proudly sponsoring the festival with advance tickets available to readers at a discount through the paper.

Sessions are Friday 4pm to 11pm; Saturday 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 11pm; Sunday noon to 4pm and 5pm to 11pm and Monday 11am to 4pm.

Tickets are £3 on the door for lunchtime and £4 for evening sessions and £3 from The Mercury for all sessions. To make sure you get the session you want, it is advisable to book early through The Mercury, on the special order form printed weekly.