For many years my old mate Alan Edwards wanted to organise a festival of Norwich Pubs. It didn’t happen, mainly due to his time being spent in supporting said pubs. However 14 years ago a number of enlightened publicans came together and organised such an event. Now in its 14th year, the month long festival goes from strength to strength. The launch party, a great event in its own right, was held last Thursday and the festival continues until 21st June.
Supported by 26 local breweries the festival covers 51 Norwich Pubs split into 8 trails named after past and current local breweries. Complete a trail and you get a pin badge unique to that trail, and featuring the brewery logo.
Several other businesses support the trail, giving it a real community base. It encompasses cask, craft and keg beer although from my point of view cider, perry and mead should also feature. Events are organised by individual pubs and there is even an app to assist those who understand these things. The festival charity this year is Missoin Remission, which helps people move forward after cancer.
The way the trails are set out means that in between pubs, there is a chance to explore Norwich, its history, and present vibrancy. No doubt it boosts tourism too but to me the main plus is that it brings people together, supports local industries, and ensures that the many traditions associated with pubs and breweries will remain intact.
My thanks go out to the organisers and everyone involved in making this such a great event. It may have been copied but never equalled.
From a customer point of view, 51 pubs in a month is doable at a steady pace, long gone is the challenge to do it in one day as some try. As a sad old git I log beers on Untapped and score pubs on the CAMRA whatpub site. It’s amazing how many new beers I discover and realise I haven’t been in some pubs since the last festival. I see old friends and meet new ones.
What is needed now is for some suitably energised people to organise more local events and festivals. Perhaps a similar festival for coastal pubs lasting from Easter to Halloween? What about a Norwich Dog Friendly Pub Trail, or Children Friendly, or CAMRA approved Cider Trail? I, and I’m sure my old mate Alan Edwards, would be only too pleased to offer our help and experience. Only don’t tell Dee, his wife.
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