A Norwich celebration of real ale and beers from the country's best independent brewers will mark its 40th anniversary in less than a fortnight.
A Norwich celebration of real ale and beers from the country's best independent brewers will mark its 40th anniversary in less than a fortnight.
Norwich Beer Festival returns to the fine city from Monday, October 23, when it will come to the end of its fourth decade of festivities.
Hosted in St Andrew's and Blackfriars Halls in the city centre, the festival, organised by the Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA branch, has grown from humble beginnings in 1977.
While it began with about 20 beers – some of which organisers have tracked down for this year's festival – it has grown to offer hundreds every year, as well as more than 18,000 entries.
It now has more than 220 cask-conditioned real ales and will include a beer from almost every Trappist brewery in the world.
Martin Ward, festival organising committee member, said: 'We hit the mark and offer something for everyone, a social event with good quality ales, of a variety of styles, excellent entertainment, in a unique venue.
'It is attended every year by thousands of people and each year people return and bring their colleagues, partners, family and friends.'
The event, which will run until Saturday, October 28, will feature entertainment - including a brass band - food, games, ciders and wines.
Visitors will be able to sample brews from the winners of the Great Anglian Brew Off as part of a competition held with Anglian Craft Brewers and CAMRA.
Craig Harmer, deputy beer festival organiser, said: 'We have adapted to demands with the addition of a vast selection of ales, ciders and world beers and the introduction of key keg beers in 2016 and the introduction of mead this year.'
Pubs in the city will also be ready to host those visiting from afar, including CAMRA's 2017 award winners King's Head in Magdalen Street, Fat Cat Brewery Tap in Lawson Road and the White Lion in Oak Street.
CAMRA's charity of the year is Leeway, which supports those in Norfolk and Waveney who have been affected by domestic abuse.
For more information, a map and layout plan, admission times and beer lists, click here.
Are you organising an event in Norwich that we should be writing about? Email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk
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