DRINKERS in Beverley gave an enthusiastic welcome to this year's Real Ale and Cider Festival weekend.
People were queuing to get into the Memorial Hall yesterday afternoon as the third festival commenced.
James Harper, festival organiser, said more tickets had been sold in advance this year than ever before.
Last night's event was sold out, with 300 people having a choice of 50 different ales, five lagers and 15 ciders.
A handful of remaining tickets for tonight were expected to sell out today.
Mr Harper said: "There will be something for everyone this year.
"I think it's the best selection of drinks we've had and if the advanced ticket sales are anything to go by it could be the most popular year.
"In addition to the pie, beer and cider there is yet again another packed schedule of great music and children are welcome to come along on any of the afternoon sessions."
The event overlaps with the Beverley Food Festival, which is expected to attract 30,000 people to Saturday Market tomorrow.
Chris Colley, 58, of east Hull, was among the visitors to the Memorial Hall yesterday.
He said: "The ambience at the festival is excellent.
"I've just had a Great Newsome Corn Dolly. It was excellent. I'm a great supporter of Great Newsome, which is a local brewery."
He was joined by friend Ian Walford, 60, of Beverley.
"It's something a bit different for the area," he said.
"There is a lot of locally sourced food and drink and I think it's quite clever to link up with the food festival."
This year organisers wanted more of a food feel at the ale and cider festival and introduced the Beverley Ale Festival Pies.
The creation is a collaboration between Andrew Jones Pies and Great Newsome Brewery.
The food got the thumbs-up from Steve Eccles, 59, of Beverley.
"The pies are fantastic and there is a great selection," he said.
"Events like this are great for Beverley and there has been a good turnout."
Jacqui Etherington, of Andrew Jones Pies, said: "It's a great combination, something simple to eat with some good beer.
"First up we have our Handmade Steak and Ale pie made with Frothingham Best, plus we are excited to be experimenting with our handmade traditional pork pie flavoured with Sleck Dust."
Also well under way is Beverley Literature Festival, which Mr Eccles will be attending.
"I will be attending the talk on Philip Larkin today," he said.
Raise a glass at sessions• Today (Saturday), entry costs £2.50, from noon to 6pm, unless you bring your ticket for the Saturday, or your glass from last night's session. There will be real ale and cider and food and live music.
• This evening, from 6.30pm to 11pm will be a ticket-only session. Tickets cost £5 in advance or £7 on the door, and includes a festival glass. Again there will be real ale and cider, food and live music.
• This year's festival concludes tomorrow (Sunday), from 11am to 4pm. Entry costs £2.50, or you can get in free if you bring your glass from the Friday or Saturday evening sessions. This session closes at 4pm. There will be a variety of real ale and cider and food available.
• For more details, visit beverley.realalefestivals.co.uk
