A select group of beer writers could be invited to Norwich early next year as part of a fact-finding mission to promote this fine city – and its beer – ahead of the second City of Ale Festival.

Organisers of the City of Ale Festival, held in Norwich for the first time this year, are already starting to formulate ideas for next year's event, which they want to be bigger and better.

Phil Cutter, co-chairman of Norwich City of Ale, said he would like to hold a preview weekend for a group of beer writers and travel writers, who would be put up in hotels and bed and breakfasts in the city.

The preview weekend, which would probably be held in January, would see the writers being provided with background information about Norwich's pubs, its rich brewing history, the 2012 festival and the city itself.

Writers would be transported to a number of pubs and given the chance to sample beers and food before a presentation about the festival which is supported by the Evening News through our Love Your Local campaign.

Mr Cutter, who will discuss the idea in more detail with a sub-group later this month, said the move might help generate advanced national publicity about the festival and encourage visitors from further afield not only to the festival, but to Norwich too.

He said: 'We want to get some beer writers and some travel writers involved to try and get some tourism in. It gives us an opportunity to show what Norwich is all about, what the festival is all about and what beers we have to offer.

'It's about trying to sell that experience of Norwich as well as trying to get them into the pub. We're looking for some hoteliers who would like to donate some rooms for beer writers and possibly, off the back of that, would be able to get some publicity.

'It's the whole experience of coming to Norwich and treating it more than just a beer festival. We've been trying to make it about the heritage of pubs and brewing, not just the beer.'

The next City of Ale Meeting takes place at The Murderers on Thursday, November 3 at 10am.

Have you got a story for the campaign? Call Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk