Positive response to Yarmouth’s first winter beer and cider festival

The first afternoon session of the Winter Beer and Cider Festival at St George’s Theatre.November 2015.Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2015)

The festival, organised by the Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership, was held at St George's Theatre last weekend following the success of the annual beer festival which takes place in May each year.

Town centre manager, Jonathan Newman said: 'To say it was the first winter version we have held I think that it did really well. The numbers weren't quite as high as the annual spring event but I think that was expected given that the May version has been running since 2007.

'The atmosphere was great throughout the weekend and we managed to get through the whole event with out any trouble and it was good to see a lot of the regulars in the theatre.'

The festival featured over 50 real ales, craft beers and ciders many of which came from local brewers such as Lacons, with their award winning bitter Encore, Beestons, Bullards and Fat Cat,

There was also range of musical performances from The Broadside Boys, Ella Bruce, Time well Wasted and the Georgia Shackleton Trio.

Mr Newman added: 'The overall feedback that I heard from people as they left was that they had enjoyed the festival. We had a nice selection of dark and winter ales on offer and the live music just added to what was a very pleasant and great atmosphere.'

Despite the positive responses to the winter edition of the festival it is not yet clear whether or not there will be a another festival next winter.

Mr Newman explained: 'We can't be disappointed with the numbers that we had over the weekend, even if it was less than Spring, because at this time of year the weather plays a big part and people have plenty of other things going on.

'The option to do it again next year is a possibility and we will look to hear some feedback from people who attended the event before making any decision on its future.'