Largest gin festival in the UK set to return to Portsmouth

The event, which first took place last year and attracted hundreds of people to its two days, will take place at the Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday, August 4 and Saturday, August 5.

This year the organisers are promising an even bigger and better event.

A spokesman said: ‘Described in Time Out as one of the Top 10 things to do in 2016, the UK’s biggest and oldest gin festival is returning to Portsmouth Guildhall and we’re bringing over 100 different gins with us.

‘There will be loads of new gins and exclusive gins you won’t see anywhere else, plus gin masterclasses and the opportunity to meet gin distillers in person, a gin cocktail bar, live music and gorgeous food.’

Visitors will be given a festival glass and a brochure full of information on all the gins available and a little about each company and the suggested garnish.

Tickets went on sale on Monday, costing £7.50, plus booking fee, and are available from ginfestival.co.uk/events

Punters will need drinks tokens once inside – available on the day for £5 per drink including tonic and a fresh garnish.

Throughout the event there will be live entertainment, talks from gin industry experts, food available to buy and lots of chit-chat with other gin lovers.

The sessions will run:

n Friday, August 4 – evening session from 6.30pm until 11pm

n Saturday, August 5 - afternoon session from 12.30pm until 5pm

n Saturday, August 5 - evening session from 6.30pm until 11pm

For more information go to ginfestival.com