From Norfolk to Japan, discover breweries from across the world as the Norwich Beer Festival returns for 2023. 

The annual event kicked off in The Halls on Monday afternoon, starting with the trade session, and it runs until Saturday, October 28. 

There are two sessions each day from 11.30am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm, with the closing time at 11pm on Thursday and Friday. 

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Beer Festival gets under way in The Halls Norwich Beer Festival gets under way in The Halls (Image: Newsquest)

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On Saturday, The Halls is open all day from 11.30am to 9.30pm and from Thursday onwards there is live music.

The entry price ranges from £2 to £7, or free for CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) members, and once inside you can purchase beer tokens and glasses featuring the new 45th-year logo. 

Norwich Evening News: A pint glass with the 45th Norwich Beer Festival logoA pint glass with the 45th Norwich Beer Festival logo (Image: Newsquest)

The event is organised by the Norwich & District CAMRA group and volunteers serve at the various bars.

Norwich Evening News: Rachael Smith, Jacqui Smith and Cathryn Kelf at the merchandise standRachael Smith, Jacqui Smith and Cathryn Kelf at the merchandise stand (Image: Newsquest)

While there are beers from many local breweries, such as Mr Winter's and Fat Cat in Norwich, this year there are more national offerings. 

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Norwich Evening News: A team of beer-loving volunteers work behind the various bars A team of beer-loving volunteers work behind the various bars (Image: Newsquest)

This ranges from Monty's malty, hoppy Mischief from Wales to Riverhead's refreshing Sherbert Lemon from West Yorkshire. 

There are also around 40 gluten-free and 100 vegan beers available. 

Norwich Evening News: Jenny Bach, Norwich CAMRA press and publicity officerJenny Bach, Norwich CAMRA press and publicity officer (Image: Newsquest)

Jenny Bach, Norwich CAMRA press and publicity officer, said: "This year we are hoping for an even greater number of visitors.

"Across St Andrew's and Blackfriars' Halls, you can enjoy beers of every variety and colour, including strange and unusual ones at the Curiosity Bar."

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Norwich Evening News: (L-R) Gavin Cooper, Chris Betts, Paul Tacon and Sophie Daniels at the Curiosity Bar (L-R) Gavin Cooper, Chris Betts, Paul Tacon and Sophie Daniels at the Curiosity Bar (Image: Newsquest)

There is also a dedicated cider and perries bar in St Andrew's Hall and in Blackfriars' Hall is hot food with hot dogs, loaded fries and hog roast. 

Norwich Evening News: Neil Cooper, Tresa Harvey and Derek Orr (L-R) serving at the World Beer Bar Neil Cooper, Tresa Harvey and Derek Orr (L-R) serving at the World Beer Bar (Image: Newsquest)

The popular World Beer Bar returns to the marquee with a mix of overseas specials.

David Jones, World Beer Bar manager, said: "With a large offering of beers from Japan and beers from Brazil, Spain, Canada and small German breweries, the marquee is where you will find something new."

The live beer list can be accessed at norwich.camra.org.uk/festival/livelist and you can buy tickets in advance or on the door.