Norwich Beer Festival is to host a new line-up of live entertainment and has switched the venue from the main St Andrew’s site to the Blackfriars Hall.

The event will run from Monday 24 to Saturday 29 October, (October half term), with music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Getting the weekend started early are The Macarnos, (pictured) an upbeat, acoustic band. Playing covers and original songs on Thursday evening, the band are known for its crowd-pleasing, foot-stomping performances, skilfully switching instruments and lead vocals.

Friday lunchtime visitors will be entertained by the acoustic sounds of singer songwriter Alton Wahlberg. Alton has a unique indie/folk style with raw brutally honest lyrics that regularly make audiences laugh, fall silent, then sing along!

On Friday evening Blackfriars Hall will be filled with the sounds of the Dirigibles, a new-wave, rock-and-roll band. Visitors will enjoy the bounce and bop of this infectious ensemble.

Delighting festival visitors from 12.30pm on Saturday will be three performances. The first by Terry Adams whose influences include David Gray, Stereophonics, Travis, Simon & Garfunkel and Paul Weller. Next up is Faith, offering an acoustic version of their full band, with emotive songs, a rock edge, melodic vocals and dangerous guitar antics! From around 3pm, Felix Simpson will be showcasing his original material and covers. Felix has developed a catchy alt-pop sound, combined with his more powerful, soulful vocals.

Festival organiser Craig Harmer said: “Saturday is a good day to visit the festival as it is open all day from 11.30am until 9pm and is not too busy, so you can usually just walk straight in at any time.

“Gone are the days of waiting for a long time in a queue. We now have a fast-track queue system, and everyone is surprised how quickly they enter the halls and are able to purchase their glass and tokens, now with cash or card, even on the busier Thursday and Friday.”

Entrance is free again for CAMRA members all week, who must join the queue and have membership cards ready (unless joining at the festival). 

CAMRA members are also invited to the preview from 4pm on Monday 24 October and can stay on for the evening session! For those joining CAMRA at the Norwich Beer Festival, there is a special 2022 promotion which can equate to two free pints – and your entry fee refunded.

CAMRA membership gives free access to all sessions and free or reduced access to local and national CAMRA beer festivals. Local branches host socials including organised pub crawls, young members’ events and coach trips to country pubs, national festivals and breweries.

Advanced tickets are still available for most sessions or simply pay cash or by card on the door! For more information, beer lists and admission times and prices, visit norwich.camra.org.uk