THE York CAMRA Beer and Cider festival was the toast of the city yesterday.

Hundreds, if not thousands, enjoyed the return of the popular event to the Knavesmire, which runs until Saturday.

Staged for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic, the festival promises 500 different beers, 90 ciders, plus wine, mead and gin.

Some 91 hand-pulls and more than 300 gravity dispense casks have been installed, creating the longest bar in Britain, if not Europe.

The festival began at 12-noon, with a session open to the trade only, followed by CAMRA members at 2pm, and then to the wider public after 5pm.

Branch chairman Chris Tregellis says it meant for a 'steady' start but the trade session gives publicans and brewers a chance to meet and talk.

The members-only session sees people travel from around the country, often catching up with friends.

Certainly by mid-afternoon, the place was filling up, with a real buzz, and traders enjoying a thriving trade.

"The first day is always calmer, with more groups that know each other," Chris told the Press.

Though its too soon to give visitor numbers, attendance is 'comparable' to festivals held prior to the pandemic.

Chris said: "I expect it will be busy today (Thursday). I think it will be really busy. I expect to see queues for the 12-noon start."

While York CAMRA has postponed its branch activity during the country's period of national mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth, cancelling the festival at such a late stage was not possible.

However, festivalgoers are asked to be 'respectful.'

Chris added: "Within that context, the festival is going really well."

Details of the event and ticket bookings can be found here: https://yorkbeerfestival.camra.org.uk/