Norwich's popular City of Ale beer festival is now in full swing - with plenty of events across to tingle punters' taste buds.

Eastern Daily Press: The City of Ale is underway until June 3. Picture: Simon Finlay PhotographyThe City of Ale is underway until June 3. Picture: Simon Finlay Photography (Image: Simon Finlay)

This year's festivities make the event the largest beer week in the country, with 48 pubs taking part putting on speeches, trails and beer tasting.

Co-chairman Dawn Leeder said: 'We have a record number of pubs which is fantastic, with seven ale trails and lots of events. I haven't even been able to count them, there are close to 100 events across the city.

'We have some fabulous beer writers coming down in Adrian Tierney-Jones, Pete Brown and Roger Protz doing various tastings and talks around the city. We are delighted to have them come this year.

'We have managed to get them all together which is fantastic. '

Eastern Daily Press: The City of Ale is underway until June 3. Picture: Simon Finlay PhotographyThe City of Ale is underway until June 3. Picture: Simon Finlay Photography (Image: Simon Finlay)

The City of Ale is the brainchild of Ms Leeder, a senior researcher in educational technology at the University of Cambridge before setting up PintPicker - a flavour database of UK cask ale - and multi-award winning publican Philip Cutter of The Murderers in Timber Hill, Norwich.

The event was the first of its kind when it was launched in 2011 and has since been replicated in cities up and down the country - but Norwich remains the largest.

Ms Leeder added: 'For the first time we have two heritage river walks which take in five pubs as well as landmarks along the river lead by a blue badge guide.

'What a lovely way to spend a summer evening. It's lovely, beery and it will be really nice taking in all the sights.'

Eastern Daily Press: Co-chair Dawn Leeder. MP Clive Lewish and co-chair Philip Cutter Picture: Simon Finlay Photography.Co-chair Dawn Leeder. MP Clive Lewish and co-chair Philip Cutter Picture: Simon Finlay Photography. (Image: Simon Finlay)

Not only are the fine city's public houses being celebrated but 40 breweries from Norfolk and afar have stepped up to show what ales they have to offer, including The Fat Cat, The Norfolk Brewhouse and Woodforde's.

Ms Leeder added: 'This year we will be including bus numbers during the pubs trail so you can find the bus services for pubs that are a bit further flung.'

For full details of all the pubs taking part and events, visit www.cityofale.org.uk