Popular Gin Fest returns to Great Malvern

Gin lovers are in for a treat as the popular Great Malvern Gin Festival returns.

The free festival, now in its third year, takes place from 18 to 20 August.

The event is organised by Malvern Hills District Council, supported by Malvern Gin and in partnership with a number of independent hospitality venues across Great Malvern.

A total of 14 venues have signed up to take part with more than 100 gins available to test out, including locally distilled gin, creative gin cocktails, and unusual gins.

The event will take place at the following venues: The Mulberry Tree, Bar Limon, The Fig, Malvern Cellar, Faun, OCC, Weavers, The Great Malvern Hotel, The Water Cure, The Red Lion, The Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern Farmers Market, Bellevue Island and Alturo Lounge.

Visitors will be able to enjoy live music at a number of different venues, specialist talks on the history of gin, meet experts, and celebrate the many varieties of gin and gin cocktails available.

Also on offer will be an afternoon of live music taking place on Bellevue Island, Saturday, 19 August:

• 2.30pm – Hannah Beth Bailey
• 3.15pm – Sean Dixon
• 4pm – Dragon Music
• 5pm – Hennesea

For the dedicated drivers and non-gin lovers there will be plenty of non-alcoholic drinks to try as well.

The event is part of the council's ambition to increase the number of events across the district to generate footfall and support businesses as part of Town Centre Plans.

Cllr Beverley Nielsen, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Tourism at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "We are really pleased this exciting event is back once again, better than ever, it's a great opportunity for our local businesses and we encourage residents and visitors alike to also support our local independent shops and eateries whilst enjoying a great day out."

Angus Macdonald, Owner of Malvern Cellar, said: "We are looking forward to enlightening our customers of several pieces of fascinating interlocking alcoholic British history with a very practical educational look at the classic Gin & Tonic whilst holding a glass in hand to keep their minds focussed. Malvern Cellar has about 115 lines of local gin and we hope that people will buy and take away a bottle of gin and pack of tonics to suit their palate with the added incentive of 10% off any gin during the three days of the festival".

People can visit www.visitthemalverns.org/ginfest for more information and a full event programme.

Please drink responsibly.