We are only here for the beer... and the cider.

This afternoon saw the launch of the four day Great Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival at St George's Theatre.

Doors opened at 5pm with people eager to collect their tokens so they could sample the various tipples on offer.

Jonathan Newman, one of the organisers, said one of main attractions of the event was that out of 40 real ales, 35 were from local breweries.

He added: 'We want people coming into the town and enjoying themselves in such a fantastic building.'

Drinkers are expected to get through more than 3,500 pints from casks containing 40 real ales and 15 ciders. The beer festival is open Friday and Saturday at 11am to 3pm and then between 5pm to 11pm.

The eleventh annual festival finishes with a 'mop up' session between 11am to 3pm on Sunday.

Entry prices are £3 for the lunchtime sessions, £5 for the evening sessions and £2 for Sunday's session.