A date has been confirmed for the next CAMRA National Winter Ales Festival in Norwich following the success of the inaugural event this year.

Eastern Daily Press: The 2016 National Winter Ales Festival in Norwich. Picture: NORWICH AND NORFOLK CAMRAThe 2016 National Winter Ales Festival in Norwich. Picture: NORWICH AND NORFOLK CAMRA (Image: Archant)

The city was awarded the privilege of hosting the event for three years, starting in 2017.

Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA teamed up with Norwich pubs to create a week of special events, including special real ales, food, festival events and music to coincide with the celebrations between February 21 and 25 this year.

The main event was held at St Andrew's and Blackfriars' medieval friary halls in Norwich.

Rob Whitmore, beer festival organiser, has now announced the dates for next year's event, which will run from Tuesday, February 20 until Saturday, February 24.

Eastern Daily Press: The 2016 National Winter Ales Festival in Norwich. Picture: NORWICH AND NORFOLK CAMRAThe 2016 National Winter Ales Festival in Norwich. Picture: NORWICH AND NORFOLK CAMRA (Image: Archant)

The festival which will be returning to The Halls, Norwich.

Mr Whitmore said: 'We have delivered a festival that will last in people's minds as the first National Winter Ales Festival in the fine city of Norwich.

'We look forward to seeing you at other festivals, including the October Norwich Beer Festival, and to seeing you and your friends here in February 2018.'

The festival also raised money for its chosen charity, It's On The Ball.

Eastern Daily Press: The 2016 National Winter Ales Festival in Norwich. Picture: NORWICH AND NORFOLK CAMRAThe 2016 National Winter Ales Festival in Norwich. Picture: NORWICH AND NORFOLK CAMRA (Image: Archant)

Rebecca Bushell, from the charity, said: 'We'd like to add our heartfelt thanks to CAMRA for inviting us to be their chosen charity for NWAF.

'We thoroughly enjoyed it and feel very touched by the support we received from the staff, volunteers and those who attended.

'Thanks to all who spoke to us, who bought our merchandise and made a donation. The funds raised will help us to continue the awareness work we are doing and will also help local testicular cancer patients too.'

The event attracted visitors from around the globe, including a party of 12 from Denmark visiting the winter festival from the Danish Beer Enthusiasts.

Eastern Daily Press: The 2016 National Winter Ales Festival in Norwich. Picture: NORWICH AND NORFOLK CAMRAThe 2016 National Winter Ales Festival in Norwich. Picture: NORWICH AND NORFOLK CAMRA (Image: Archant)

It also hosted the finals of the CAMRA Winter Beer of Britain.

Local brewers Adnams and Green Jack received awards, with Green Jack receiving a silver award in the Barley Wines and Strong Old Ales category for their Ripper Tripel and Adnams secured an award in the Strong Milds and Old Ales category with their Old Ale, having also been crowned CAMRA's Champion Beer of East Anglia.