Farnham’s gin lovers were treated to a festival dedicated to their favourite tipple last week at the second Farnham Gin Festival.

Following the success of last year’s one-day event, Farnham Town Council held this year’s festival across two nights on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 September at the Farnham Maltings.

Cllr Jill Hargreaves, Lead Member for Tourism and Events said: “Distillers, many of them small-scale or local producers, offered a selection of over 100 types of gin. As well as tastings, we had talks and masterclasses led by gin experts, making this a really interesting event as well as being great fun for everyone who came along. If gin is your favourite drink, the festival was the place to be.”

Hosted by Farnham Town Council in partnership with Red Mist Leisure, the festival tapped into consumers’ thirst for the spirit which last year accounted for £461-million of sales in the UK, according to the Office of National Statistics and continues to be a popular drink in Farnham.

“Support from our sponsors, Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society and Andrew Lodge Estate Agent, meant we were able to offer a really high-quality event with a party atmosphere and with a very accessible ticket price. Both nights were a sell out with some 1,700 people attending. Our guests enjoyed what has become an extremely popular drink while finding out a little more about it too,” said Cllr Hargreaves.

Experts from Chase Distillery gave demonstrations on how to make gin cocktails and talked about the history of gin, how it is made and why its popularity has soared in recent years. Guests also tucked into hot food and snacks – with vegan and vegetarian options – and each received a complimentary Fever Tree tonic and a souvenir festival glass.