With Norwich's very first City of Ale Festival now just less than a month away, a new website has been given a live launch to help promote the event to people both near and far.

Festival organisers hope the event, which runs from May 26 until June 5, will help make Norwich a world-renowned centre for real ale.

And the launch of the website, www.cityofale.org.uk, is seen as a key step in spreading the word about the quality of beer and brewing in Norwich to other parts of the country.

Dawn Leeder, co-chairman of the steering group, said: 'We're now coming to the final phase and are starting to launch it nationally and the website will be a very, very obvious place for people to see everything that's going on - all the events, all the pubs, breweries and all the beers which are being selected as we speak.'

But although organisers are trying to attract as many people as possible from elsewhere to come and visit Norwich for the 10-day festival, Miss Leeder said the 'fantastic' looking website would have much for those closer to home to enjoy.

She said: 'Clearly the website is available to a world wide audience but we also know it will be useful for people nearer to home to see what's going on and when.'

Events planned include Morris dancing, quizzes, live bands, meet the brewer and a brewers market.

To date 31 pubs and 35 brewers have signed up to be part of the festival which will be launched by Good Beer Guide editor Roger Protz at St Gregory's Church, St Gregory's Alley, off Pottergate, Norwich on Thursday, May 26. There will be a closing ceremony and awards event at Dragon's Hall, King Street, on June 5 between 1pm and 5pm.

It is hoped the festival will feature an exhibition of old brewing footage at Fusion at the Forum if organisers can compile enough old film. There will be an exhibition of Norwich's brewing heritage at the Mustard Shop in the Royal Arcade throughout the event.

The next meeting takes place from 10am on Thursday, May 5 at The Murderers.

The Evening News is supporting local pubs with our Love Your Local campaign. If you have a pub story email david.bale@archant.co.uk,

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