Miles Jermy IT don't mean a thing if ain't got that zing at this year's Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival.Along with a range of locally produced ciders and perries a selection of tangy flavoured beers will be tempting the taste buds.

Miles Jermy

IT don't mean a thing if ain't got that zing at this year's Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival.

Along with a range of locally produced ciders and perries a selection of tangy flavoured beers will be tempting the taste buds.

The eagerly anticipated event during the May 23 to 26 bank holiday weekend is being hosted at the majestic Noble Hall in the medieval Priory Centre.

It is the perfect setting to savour the selection of around 80 ales from the best of Norfolk and north Suffolk's independent breweries.

Until the 19th century it was common practice to add fruit flavours to beers and it is a tradition that is very much back to the fore at this year's festival.

Bungay based St Peter's Brewery helped lead the way with its refreshing grapefruit beer that is sure to be a popular draw with drinkers.

The award winning brew is one of four St Peter's tipples on tap at the festival along with Golden Ale, Best Bitter and Mild.

The beers are brewed next to the historic St Peter's Hall at South Elmham, the venue for the brewery's acclaimed pub and restaurant.

Water for the beers is drawn from an ancient well that plunges into the chalk layer deep below the moated, medieval manor house.

St. Peter's managing director Colin Cordy said: "We are delighted to be featuring four St Peter's beers at the Great Yarmouth beer festival which will give visitors an opportunity to try some of the differentiated range of beers we brew.

“In particular, our Grapefruit Beer always attracts a lot of attention at beer festivals and we were delighted when it was awarded a bronze medal in the specialist category at the CAMRA Great British Beer Festival in London."

The festival, organised by Yarmouth's very own Blackfriars Brewery, attracted around 1,000 real ale enthusiasts when it was held for the first time last year.

To continue the citrus theme drinkers can raise a toast to 800 years of civic freedom with Blackfriars coriander and orange flavoured Charter Ale.

A dedicated team of volunteers is needed to pour the pints at the festival throughout the Whitsun bank holiday weekend.

In return, there is a free T-shirt, free meal during each shift, a chance to taste some of the beers and free admission to another session.

Anyone interested helping out at the festival should call Jonathan Newman on 01493 745828 or e-mail johnathan@gytcp.co.uk.

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

Tickets are £3 on the door for lunchtime and £4 for evening sessions and £3 from the Mercury for all sessions. To get the session you want, it is advisable to book early through the Mercury.