A Norfolk brewery is set to revive an ancient East Anglian folk tradition as it looks to grow and malt its own barley.

Grain Brewery, based in Alburgh, near Bungay, is nestled in the heart of the barley-growing country and will host the Blessing of the Barley Queen, a Waveney Valley tradition that crowns a Barley Queen to bless the spring crops.

According to local folklore, The Blessing of the Barley Queen took place after the spring equinox when a local lady ‘mature in years and wisdom’ was chosen as the Barley Queen to bestow her blessings on the crops, calling on the four elements of nature.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Grain Brewery's Barley Queen, Jennifer MeadGrain Brewery's Barley Queen, Jennifer Mead (Image: Phil Halls)

As is often the case, the event was followed by a drinking celebration.

In line with this tradition, Grain Brewery will host its very first Blessing of the Barley Queen event on Saturday, April 27.

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Brewery owner Phil Halls said: “We’re reviving the 'Blessing of the Barley Queen', to have a bit of fun at the brewery, but also to celebrate the farming community of the area and the fact that later this year we will malt our own barley to produce a born in Alburgh, brewed in Alburgh beer.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Phil Halls and Richard Bond with the e dedicated a half-acre of crop, growing in front of Alburgh Church Phil Halls and Richard Bond with the e dedicated a half-acre of crop, growing in front of Alburgh Church (Image: Arthur Cragmore-Smyth)

"The Bond family are very excited by the idea, and have dedicated a half-acre of crop, growing in front of Alburgh Church, for the project."

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On the day, the Barley Queen will bless the brewery’s crop of barley before local vicar Christopher Hutton joins her to provide a Christian blessing.

Barley Queen Jennifer Mead said: “I’m really honoured to be asked to be the first Grain Brewery Barley Queen.

"It should be another great tradition to add to the Taproom’s calendar."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Grain Brewery brewers Marc Lynch and Grahame Read celebrate the team’s win in a beer competitionGrain Brewery brewers Marc Lynch and Grahame Read celebrate the team’s win in a beer competition (Image: Phil Halls)

The Blessing of the Barley Queen will take place on Saturday, April 27.

Grain Brewery’s Taproom will be open from noon until 7pm, with the Blessing of the Barley Queen in the fields by Alburgh church at 2.30pm.

The Barley Queen will arrive back at the Brewery around 3pm when the celebrations will begin.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Grain Brewery in AlburghGrain Brewery in Alburgh (Image: Phil Halls)