CLOUDS gathered on York’s Knavesmire as the doors opened on the city’s biggest ever beer extravaganza.

York Beer And Cider Festival began yesterday with about 200 beers and 30 ciders and perries available.

The event, which is being held outdoors for the first time, continues today and tomorrow, coinciding with the opening weekend of the York Festival Of Food And Drink.

Selby MP John Grogan performed the honours yesterday, formally opening the event to the public at 4pm, after a two-hour trade session.

Mr Grogan, who also chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Committee, said: “The fact that the York Beer And Cider Festival has now got a new home on Knavesmire reflects its tremendous growth over the past 30 years.

“It is particularly encouraging that so many of the 28 micro-breweries which are now in business in North Yorkshire have their ales available at this festival.”

Mr Grogan said he had opted for a half pint of the festival beer, Union Gap, from Great Heck Brewery, one of many local ales at the festival.

Event organiser Melissa Reed said: “It is going really well, there has been a lot to do to set it up but seeing the event open and seeing lot of people enjoying it makes it worthwhile.

“We have a lot of local brewers here – a quarter of our beers are from within 25 miles of York.”

Among those present yesterday was Kev Jones, manager of Brigantes in Micklegate.

He said: “The festival looks great and well organised and it is fantastic to see so many good local beers and lots of people enjoying them.”

Ms Reed urged beer lovers across the city to head along to the festival, which runs from noon until 11pm today and tomorrow.

Admission is £1 for members of CAMRA (Campaign For Real Ale) or £3 for non-members.

As well as the beer, ciders and perries, there are also a selection of wines, various food stands and beer merchandise stalls.