A RECORD 1,500 real ale enthusiasts drank around 5,000 pints at last weekend’s Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival.

Held at the Courtyard, Maincross Road and organised by award-winning Blackfriars Brewery, the festival is now in its fifth year.

This year’s event had a Royal Wedding theme with HRH Honey Moon brewed to celebrate the Royal Wedding proving especially popular.

It was the first time that the festival took place at The Courtyard, after previously being hosted at the Priory Centre.

Blackfriars owner Bill Russell said: “We sold out of Honey Moon in the first session and the cider was also drunk dry. Our chilli flavoured brew Dragon’s Breath also grabbed people’s attention and we are planning on showcasing it at the Cambridge Beer Festival.”

Competitions were held for the best home-brewed beer and cider in the run-up to the festival with the winners announced at the opening session.

Steven Hewkin, from Gorleston won the beer award with Magnum Blonde, described as clean and impressively smooth with floral notes.

Chef Steven, who only started producing his own brews last year, was presented with a tankard and selection of Blackfriars beers.

The best cider accolade was given to Kingston Black, a stil dry cider created by Gorleston couple Kevin Marsden and Sally Hunn.

Mr Russell said: “The festival has become a very popular event on the Great Yarmouth calendar and will be back bigger and better next year.”

? Blackfriars is hosting a Father’s Day beer festival at The Courtyard on June 18 and 19, admission is free.