TWO tasty festivals will make a mouthwatering match when they join forces for the first time.
The annual Beverley Food Festival is to link up with the Beverley Real Ale Festival in October.
The food and real ale extravaganza will tickle festival- goers' tastebuds from Friday, October 4, to Sunday, October 6.
The Beverley Real Ale Festival was the toast of the town on its debut last year and the organisers are relishing the link-up with the hugely popular food festival, which is now in its eighth year and attracts thousands of visitors.
James Harper, who masterminded last year's inaugural real ale festival, said: "Holding the real ale festival alongside the food festival is a beer and food match made in heaven.
"We can't wait for this year's festival.
"Last year was great and demonstrated how popular real ale is in the town and this year we have more choice, more beer, more entertainment and are open for longer."
The town's Memorial Hall will be the venue for the Real Ale Festival, which is already heading for a sell-out.
Mr Harper said: "This year we are excited to be holding the event at the Beverley Memorial Hall, which offers the festival such a great sustainable base and we are able to now open on the Sunday, so we can link in with the food festival."
The food festival will be held in the market place on Sunday, October 6, with more than 100 stalls offering locally-produced food and drinks.
Town clerk Helen Watson, organiser of the food festival, is delighted with the link-up with the Beverley Real Ale Festival.
She said: "There will be lots to see and do, and the emphasis is very much on supporting local growers and producers who provide such high-quality food and drink in our region.
"One of the highlights of the Beverley Food Festival is the food theatre marquee, where eight local, highly-acclaimed chefs will be doing cooking demonstrations."
Anyone wishing to volunteer to help with the real ale festival should contact the organisers.
Mr Harper said: "Volunteers are always needed at these events, so if anyone would like to help out, get a T-shirt and souvenir glass and taste ale and cider, apply on our website."
Visit www.beverleyrealalefestival.co.uk for details and to book tickets for the real ale festival and visit www.beverley.gov.uk for more information about the food festival.
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
