THE BAR is set to be raised for this year's Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival.Tickets are already selling fast for the festival from May 23 to 26, with more tipples than ever expected to be on tap.

THE BAR is set to be raised for this year's Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival.

Tickets are already selling fast for the festival from May 23 to 26, with more tipples than ever expected to be on tap.

For the first time locally produced ciders and perries will be available alongside a selection of ales from independent breweries in Norfolk and north Suffolk.

Last year more than 1,000 real ale enthusiasts attended the festival and organisers are hoping to attract even more drinkers this time round to what has become a major event in the town's calendar.

To help savour the occasion bottles of special Charter Ale will be presented to all attending the festival.

The medieval style light-coloured coriander and orange flavoured beer has been produced to toast the 800th anniversary of the town receiving its royal charter from King John.

The historic Priory Centre will play host to the festival organised by Yarmouth's award-winning Blackfriars Brewery.

A medley of skiffle, blues, folk and rock and roll is expected to be among the musical entertain-ment on offer at the festival throughout the Whitsun bank holiday weekend.

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.