YORK plays host this weekend to not one, not two, but three fabulous beer festivals.

There is something to suit every taste. Whether you want an intimate pub gathering, a street party, celebration out in the open or a big city-centre bash, you're in luck.

Thanks to the timings and the Bank Holiday, you could even dabble at all three if you felt so inclined.

York Press:

Option 1: The brewery

In Nun Monkton, just west of York, the splendid Yorkshire Heart brewery and vineyard is hosting its beer and music festival on Friday and Saturday, with more than 20 real ales.

The Friday event runs from 7pm to 11pm. Entry that night is £15, which includes two pints, a hot supper, your glass and programme, and live music from Storm. Tickets for that night must be booked in advance by phoning 01423 330716 or emailing office@yorkshireheart.com

The main event is on the Saturday, from noon to 11pm. Alongside the beers, there will be a barbecue run by the local Tancred Farm Shop, a bouncy castle, Yorkshire Heart's own wines and more live music.

Tickets that day are £5 in advance or £7.50 on the day, and Saturday admission includes a glass and programme.

York Press:

Option 2: The pub

If that doesn't take your fancy - or if it leaves you thirsty for more, then The Blue Bell in Fossgate, in York city-centre, is holding its first festival since changing hands a few months ago.

The event runs throughout Saturday and Sunday, and will include more than 20 real ales and ciders, as well as charity raffle.

Landlord John Pybus, who replaced the long-serving Jim Hardie last November, has timed the festival to coincide with the Fossgate Festival on Sunday, when the road will be closed to traffic and there will be various stalls and a barbecue. This is the first such event since December's floods, so presents an ideal chance to try a few beers and give local businesses some welcome support.

And finally...

York Press:

Option 3: The big event

From Friday to Monday, York Railway Institute in Queen Street, above, hosts Craftworks, a four-day festival showcasing craft beer, rum, live music and street food.

They claim to have "arguably the biggest selection of alcohol ever seen in York," including bars dedicated to rum, vodka, prosecco and cocktails and beers from a very tempting list of brewers from around the world.

That list includes Anarchy. Arbor, Beavertown, Brass Castle, Brew by Numbers, Evil Twin, Fyne Ales, Odell, Tempest and Tiny Rebel.

There's a pretty mouthwatering list of street food vendors too, a few competitions thrown in, and live music as well.

Standard entry is £5, although it's £7 after 7pm on Friday and Sunday, for the late music.