THIS year’s York Beer and Cider Festival will be the biggest and best yet, organisers say.

The event, to be held on Knavesmire in September, will run for four days instead of the three in previous years and will include more than 250 beers and 100 ciders from across the UK.

Several breweries are producing special beers exclusively for the event, including some to commemorate York800, the celebrations of the 800th anniversary of York being given its charter as a self-governing city.

Matthew Grant, chairman of the York branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), which has organised the event, said: “We are very much looking forward to this year’s festival, especially with the added theme of York800. Our aim, as always, is to promote real ale and real cider and perry to local residents and visitors to the area.”

The festival runs from September 19 to 22.

Visit www.yorkbeerfestival.org.uk for more information.