THINGS are getting fruity at this year’s Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival.

Top local cider producers will be adding zest to the fest from Thursday, April 28, to Sunday, May 1. Hosted at the Courtyard, Main Cross Road, a selection of 60 tipples will be on tap. Now in its fifth year, the festival is organised by Yarmouth’s award winning Blackfriars Brewery.

Martham-based East Norfolk Trading showcased its range of ciders at the festival for the first time last year. The only commercial cider producer in the Yarmouth area is offering a choice of three this time. Haymaker, is a medium cider with zesty lemon and lime flavour; Discovery a traditional Norfolk dry cider brewed with 50pc apple juice and Oak Aged, a dry cider matured in a whisky barrel for four months giving a smokey flavour.

Owner Russell Watson said: “Our apples come from Ludham and Eye in Suffolk and we produced 3,000 litres last season. The secret of a succesful cider is all in the blend of the apples.”

East Norfolk Trading ciders are available at the Oliver Twist in Yarmouth, Pleasure Boat, Hickling and Stalham Farmers’ Market.

Also adding to the flavour is the latest Blackfriars brew Dragon’s Breath, a chestnut coloured ale with a chilli finish. All beers will be �2.50 a pint and �2 on Sunday when drinkers can bring bottles to take home a selection of their favourite brews.

Main Cross Road is only yards from the seafront, and opposite the south end of the Pleasure Beach.

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