Hundreds of people gathered on Knavesmire as York’s biggest ever drinks festival got under way.

The York Beer and Cider Festival, organised by the Campaign for Real Ale, opened at the racecourse today and continues until Saturday.

Breweries from across the country were represented with more than 250 different beers as well as ciders and perries.

The festival opened as it was revealed that Yorkshire was the beer capital of Britain, with more different beers and breweries than any other part of the country.

Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West and chairman of the Save the Pub parliamentary group, officially opened the festival, and praised the range of Yorkshire beers.

He said: “I lived in this city for five years and it gives me absolute pleasure to open this festival.”

Festival organiser Melissa Reed said: “The thing that stands out this year is the number of local Yorkshire breweries. There is a huge range both of established and newer breweries and there is a great range of beer styles.”

The beer of the festival, awarded after several rounds of blind judging, was revealed as Bad Kitty vanilla porter, from Brass Castle brewery in Pocklington, which only began brewing three weeks ago.

Owner Phil Saltonstall said: “I am so shocked. It feels outstanding. I cannot believe it, it’s just tremendous.

“I feel slight disbelief but I am shocked and delighted. I shall have a few beers to celebrate.”

The festival continues from noon until 11pm each day.