DRINKERS are savoring perfection in a pint at the Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival throughout the holiday weekend. Real ale enthusiasts are able to enjoy some of the 120 beers and ciders on tap, from the region's best independent brewers at the festival which continues to Sunday.

DRINKERS are savoring perfection in a pint at the Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival throughout the holiday weekend.

Real ale enthusiasts are able to enjoy some of the 120 beers and ciders on tap, from the region's best independent brewers at the festival which continues to Sunday.

Glasses were raised yesterday with the opening of the festival, taking place once again in the historic surroundings of the Priory Centre next to St Nicholas Church.

Evening sessions are accompanied by musical entertainment, with snacks available from the Priory Caf� throughout the festival.

Organised by Blackfriars Brewery and the Town Centre Partnership, the festival has become an important date in the borough's entertainment calendar.

This year the bar is being raised once again with new brews including Brentwood from Essex, Nottinghamshire based Milestone and Grimsby's Highwood.

And to celebrate the World Cup, Blackfriars has produced football inspired beer Glory Daze - a refreshing hoppy tipple which is available with the brewery's other award winning ales.

A beer-making competition is adding to the unique flavour of the festival with the winner due to be announced in yesterday's trade session.

Blackfriars owner Bill Russell had had the difficult task of choosing the top tipple from what proved to be an impressive selection of home brews.

Amongst the entrants were former Yarmouth mayor Tony Smith and borough council managing director Richard Packham.

Sunday evening is being dubbed 'sup up Sunday' with all beers and ciders costing �2 a pint and available to take away in containers during the last half hour.

The Mercury is proud again to be the event's media sponsor and tickets are available for all sessions on the door.

Last year attendances rose by 22pc and there is optimism that 2010 will see another record turnout.

Session Times are

Friday

11am to 3pm (�2)

5pm to 11pm (�4) Lorebreakers - Irish folk rock

Saturday

11am to 3pm (�3)

5pm to 11pm (�4) Pete Kiwi Keegan - skiffle

Sunday

11am to 3pm (�2) Jess Morgan - folk

5pm to 11pm (�3) Eastern Straynotes - jazz