City of Ale 2016 Launches in Style

Norwich City of Ale 2016 launches in style at the Narthex, Cathedral of St John the Baptist, on Thursday 26 May, with dozens of fine ales from local breweries on offer. Tickets go on sale this week at a great price of £6.47 online (or £7 on the door), which includes admission, a pint of beer and a souvenir pint glass. All pints are £3 thereafter. All ale lovers are invited to come and join City of Ale organisers, brewers, publicans, beer writers, sponsors and CAMRA folk for a big celebration of fine local ales!

The Launch Party is being jointly sponsored by Crisp Malting Group and Bullards Brewery, both venerable names on the local brewing scene. Based in rural Norfolk, one of the very best malting barley-growing regions of the world, Crisp Maltings has been crafting premium malt from local ingredients for over 140 years.  Bullards is a name that is synonymous with the brewing heritage of Norwich. Beginning at the Anchor Brewery in 1837, they supplied a range of hugely popular beers across the county and in 2015 the brand was reborn with new recipes for modern cask ale drinkers.

Euan Macpherson, Crisp’s managing director says, “We supply best quality malt to many of Norfolk’s fine breweries, who craft and brew a fantastic variety of beers and ales for pubs in the region and beyond!

“As an essential part of the supply chain, it makes perfect sense to support this City event. We’re thrilled to be part of such a celebration of local brewing, pubs and beers!”

Russell Evans, Bullards Brewery, says “As a name that is synonymous with the brewing heritage of Norwich, Bullards are naturally an integral part of City of Ale.  We’re delighted to be supporting the Launch Party. It’s going to be great fun helping to kick off a massive 10 day beer celebration across our fantastic city - with its quality breweries, pubs and beers.”   

 “There’s no such thing as a free launch,” said Dawn Leeder, Co-Chair, City of Ale. “We’re really very grateful that we have such prominent sponsors, so directly connected to the brewing trade and the local business community. It’s going to be a truly memorable launch party”.

The Lord Mayor, who will be officially opening the festival, together with the Sheriff, will be collected from City Hall and taken to the launch in highly appropriate style on Woodforde’s magnificent horse and dray. Golden Star Morris will be dancing to welcome them in the cathedral’s lovely garden.

Norwich City of Ale runs from 26 May – 5 June. It’s a ten-day festival taking place in pubs all over the city. 46 pubs are taking part and 36 local breweries will offer over 250 different ales. There are hundreds of events in the pubs and other venues.  Tickets for the Launch

Party are on sale on EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/norwich-city-of-ale-2016-official-launch-party-tickets-24430281630 . For more information visit www.cityofale.org.uk

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