THE beers have been lovingly prepared, the barrels rolled out and now the first pints are set to be poured at the Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival.

The four-day festival, which opens today at the Courtyard, Main Cross Road, is a showcase for the region’s best micro-breweries.

Drinkers can savour a selection of more than 60 locally produced beers and ciders at the festival organised by Yarmouth’s award-winning Blackfriars Brewery.

This year’s event has a royal wedding theme to celebrate the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Visitors can attend tomorrow in royal fancy dress with prizes available for the best costumes.

Blackfriars has produced a special beer HRH Honeymoon flavoured with ginger and Norfolk honey to mark the occasion.

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

All beers are �2.50 a pint and �2 on Sunday, when drinkers can bring containers to take home a selection of their favourite tipples.

A selection of tasty snacks are available from Mary’s Country Kitchen and musical entertainment provided.

Special pies flavoured with Blackfriars beer are also being served at Sara’s Tearoom on the Golden Mile just a short stoll from The Courtyard.

Sessions times are today 5 to 11pm and Friday, Saturday and Sunday noon to 4pm and 5 to 11pm. Tickets, �2.50, are available on the door.