Cheers! Norwich Beer Festival returns with tipples from across the globe

Brewers are out in full force to treat those looking to try a tipple or two with a range of 320 different drinks on offer from October 24 to 29 at The Halls.

Craig Harmer, who has been the event organiser for the last five years, hopes the event will put the hops back into hospitality sector.

The 41-year-old said: "This event is vital for the city.

The Blackfriars area bars at The Halls (Image: Archant)

"We've got every publican in Norwich and almost nearly every brewer in East Anglia, all talking to each other and enjoying a drink.

"The last few years the numbers have dipped but that's been industry wide.

"We're hoping to get between 12,000 to 16,000 people attend throughout the week."

Local brews at the festival include Ampersand, Beeston and Golden Triangle.

Those looking for something further afield can find the World Beer Bar, run by Cheryl Cade.

Cheryl Cade, 52, is the manager of the World Beer Bar at Norwich Beer Festival (Image: Archant)

The 52-year-old added: "There's such a variety of beers and ales on offer this year.

"It's extremely important to the hospitality industry.

"With the World Beer bar everyone gets to see and experience different drinks.

"We've got beers from Germany, Spain, Belgium and France.

"But further away we also have drinks from China, Taiwan and Estonia."

Hundreds of people poured into the festival when it opened on October 24 (Image: Archant)

Lunchtime sessions are 11.30am until 3pm and evening sessions start at 5pm – with all day opening on Saturday until 9pm.

Alan Edwards has been involved in every Norwich Beer Festival, from "taking out the rubbish to being the festival organiser".

The 69-year-old said: "Events like this define what Norwich is all about.

"It does so much for the trade, bringing in roughly 16,000 people.

Event organiser Craig Harmer says he hopes to get "12,000 to 16,000" people attend during the week (Image: Archant)

"As well as attend the festival they'll visit attractions, stay in hotels, eat at restaurants - it brings a great deal of footfall to the city

"It's an essential part of the city's fabric."

All donations will go towards Nelson's Journey charity which helps support children and young people in Norfolk with bereavement needs.

Entry is for either "a modest fee" or free for those who are members of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

There were stalls all throughout The Halls with around 320 different drinks to try (Image: Archant)