The 2021 beer festival – photo © Julian Swainson 2022

 

Norwich’s beer festival announce a new range of pre-booked Tastings and Talks – news on the dedicated cider bar in the main hall – and a new Oktoberfest in the marquee.

On Monday 24th October, the Norwich Beer Festival will open the doors to its 44th festival at The Halls with a 4pm preview for CAMRA members and a 5pm public opening.

Advanced tickets are still available for most sessions or simply pay cash or card on the door. For more information, beer lists and admission times and prices, visit Norwich.camra.org.uk and see ‘Norwich Beer Festival’.

Lunchtime sessions are 11.30am until 3pm and evening sessions start at 5pm – with all-day opening on Saturday until 9pm. Visitors can pay-on-the-door for all sessions or advanced tickets are still available for most sessions.

The very popular World Beer Bar returns to the marquee with its eclectic mix of overseas treasures including Trappist and fruit beers. Cheryl Cade, World Beer Bar Manager, has organised an Oktober Festival running on Tuesday evening and Wednesday. The Oktoberfest showcases a fantastic collection of German beers from, Hacker Pschorr, Hofbrau, Paulaner and Sparten plus some amazing German beers from microbreweries in the heart of Germany. A small example is Keller & dark beers from Kundmüller, Bayreuther and Kaiser. If Pils & Heels are more you thing, you will find breweries like, Schwarzbräu, Pott’s and Hasseröder Brauerei. For the craft beer lovers try beers from Crew Republic.

During the week, the World Beer Bar will also be graced by beers from China, eg Niubic Barrel Aged Bayberry, Raspberry & Hazelnut Sour (2022) from NBeer (牛啤堂); Buckskins beers from Taiwan as well as Indonesian beers from PT Bali Hai Brewery.

Alternatively, in the marquee can be sampled draught beer from Pohjala (Estonia), Bangar, an Imperial Stout with Chocolate and Chilli. A new range of Sours and Gose alongside beer from Ireland to get you in the mood for Christmas with White Hags, Yule Brew.  Check out the Norwich Beer Festival online lists and the program for more details.

Live music can be enjoyed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Blackfriars Hall, with local artists playing some well-known classic covers and originals. Hot and cold food is available throughout.

In St Andrew’s will be found a dedicated cider and perry bar – with over 60 local varieties, alongside the occasional wine or mead.

Soft drinks and water are available on request at most bars, along with alcohol-free and low-alcohol options at the World Beer Bar. Also look out for our ‘free from’ area with all gluten-free, along with ‘free from’ options at the Curiosity Bar. Vegan beers will be marked and can be selected at the ‘free from’ area or throughout the festival.

Visit the Norwich & District CAMRA site where the 2022 festival section gives information and a live beer listing. Link here: https://norwich.camra.org.uk

Craig Harmer, Norwich Beer Festival Organiser comments, ‘We have a swift entry system, with cash or card payment, so you shouldn’t be waiting long before you taste your first drink, and the pre-opening queue soon disappears. If you’re feeling generous, don’t forget to donate any remaining unstamped vouchers to the festival charity, we offer our programmes for free in the hope visitors will donate to the charity.’

This year’s charity is Nelsons Journey and they would be hugely grateful for any donation, no matter how small, and unspent vouchers can be donated at the glasses counter, charity stand or to charity volunteers.  Nelson’s Journey work hard to bring back the smiles of young people and children who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives.

Tuesday 25th Oct, 12pm – 1pm – Beer & Cheese Tasting at Norwich Beer Festival: 
four beers & four cheese samples 
This tasting is led by beer & cheese sommelier Cheryl Cade, who is also a Great Taste judge.
It will be a blend of local & international produce specially selected for your enjoyment, seated in the medieval splendour of the Halls Cloisters.

Thursday 27th Oct – How to judge beer like a professional – at Norwich Beer Festival
: six beer samples, Cost £15 pp (not including entry)
 This tasting is led by CAMRA & World Beer Awards judge, Cheryl Cade who is also a beer & cheese sommelier.
It will be a blend of local & international beers specially selected to get your taste buds tingling alongside your brain cells.

Additional costs and pre-booking applies for these limited-number events, and are not included in the entry price nor advanced tickets.

More information can be found on the Norwich & District CAMRA website: norwich.camra.org.uk/festival/fest2022.htm