Nottingham-born writer Henry Normal pulled the first pint of a beer brewed in his honour – and unveiled a set of poems honouring the city.
City beer makers Castle Rock created the pint to honour his contribution to film, television and the written word.
The 4.2 per cent Henry Normal golden mild also marks the build-up to Nottingham Poetry Festival, which this year starts on April 21.
And the Nottingham-born writer launched the beer at the brewery’s Vat and Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road on Monday (April 3).
“It will go well with a bit of poetry – I’d call it poetry in a glass,” he said after tasting his namesake.
“If you have two or three of these you could probably become a professional poet.”
Video: Henry Normal reads the Stolen Arrow
“I’d say my favourite comedy poet of all time is John Hegley and we’ve got him on [at the festival. Come along and enjoy yourself.”
Normal maintains strong links to the city despite now living in Brighton and has been a vocal supporter of the city’s successful bid to become a UNESCO City of Literature.
He has also been part of the group which organised and set up the festival, which made its debut in 2015.
Video: The Poetry of Castle Rock
Normal is best known nationally for writing films including Philomena, Alan Partridge : Alpha Papa and also for co-writing TV series The Royle Family, but is also a respected poet.
Castle Rock Brewery, on Queensbridge Road, Nottingham, started brewing ales named after famous faces and unsung heroes in 2010.
More than 50 events will be held across the festival over 10 days, with Normal hosting a number of ‘poetry hours’ at different venues.
Video: Beyond the Pale Ale
The line-up also includes ‘people’s poet’ John Cooper Clarke, Mouthy Poets and disabled writers’ group Quiet Riot.
More information, including the festival’s full programme, can be found on its official website.
