A festival raising a glass to women in the brewing industry is returning to a Norwich pub next month.

Eastern Daily Press: Erica Horton at FEM.ALE. Photo: Charlene KatuwawalaErica Horton at FEM.ALE. Photo: Charlene Katuwawala (Image: Charlene Katuwawla)

FEM.ALE Festival - thought to be the first event of its kind in the country - will once again take place at The Plasterers Arms, in Cowgate, from June 1 to 4.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the festival, which over the last few years has grown to have events in Brighton, Nottingham and Sheffield as well as Norwich.

FEM.ALE director Erica Horton said: 'Since we started running the festival we've witnessed a positive seachange in the perception of women's roles in the beer industry, and hearing what we have to say.

'This is made all the more powerful, especially at the moment, when industries across the board are making a stand against sexism, racism, homophobia or discrimination of any kind.

Eastern Daily Press: FEM.ALE director Erica Horton at Norwich Market. Photo: supplied by FEM.ALE.FEM.ALE director Erica Horton at Norwich Market. Photo: supplied by FEM.ALE. (Image: Archant)

'This has become the main talking point about how the brewing industry can stay relevant in British culture, while celebrating everyone who drinks beer.'

For this year's Norwich festival, Ben Thompson, landlord of The Plasterers Arms, has sourced a wide range of ales, lagers, stouts, porters, and saisons from female-led breweries across the UK and beyond.

Among the breweries being featured are Suffolk's Burnt Mill brewery, Norfolk's People's Brewery and Redwell, and East London-based Truman's brewery, and all four of these are creating new beers commissioned especially for FEM.ALE Norwich.

FEM.ALE will also be showcasing a brew from Humpty Dumpty's new Norfolk Broads Brewing range.

Eastern Daily Press: Kid N Slay DJ. Photo: Charlene KatuwawalaKid N Slay DJ. Photo: Charlene Katuwawala (Image: Charlene Katuwawla)

There will be a FEM.ALE launch party at The Plasterers Arms from 8pm until late on Friday, June 1 featuring DJs Kid n' Slay.

On Saturday, June 2 at 3pm there will be a festival podcast recording at the city pub featuring FEM.ALE director Erica Horton, Charlotte Cook from Truman's Brewery, photographer Nicci Peet and Leanne Rowe from Grain Brewery.

In collaboration with Sir Toby's Beers, FEM.ALE also currently has a pop-up stall at Norwich Market until Sunday, June 3.

FEM.ALE Festival runs from June 1 to 4 at The Plasterers Arms, in Cowgate, Norwich. Attending the festival is free but entry is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, click here

Eastern Daily Press: Belinda Jennings from Redwell FEM.ALE taster. Photo: Charlene KatuwawalaBelinda Jennings from Redwell FEM.ALE taster. Photo: Charlene Katuwawala (Image: Charlene Katuwawla)