Ipswich is set to get its own gin festival next year, with dozens of food and drink companies set to get on board.

The Ipswich Gin Festival is being organised by Neil Farrow, owner of the Hadleigh-based Gin Punch, and aims to capitalise on the upturn in popularity for the clear spirit, while also celebrating Suffolk-based businesses.

“I just got talking to another gin enthusiast about the whole scene, and there is a festival that is national anyway but it only caters for larger cities,” Mr Farrow, 53, said.

“We think there is room for the same kind of thing here.”

The festival is being planned for April or May with venues such as the Corn Exchange and St Peter’s by the Waterfront currently under consideration.

“We almost want to do a collective of festivals in one venue, so there will be a gin, but also street food aspect, beer aspect, etc,” Mr Farrow said.

Ipswich firms Beer & Co. and the Mark David Cooking Experience are already on board, with talks continuing to get other Suffolk companies involved.

Mr Farrow believes the surge in popularity of craft beers and gins over the last five years has come about as a result of a change in attitude towards the drinks.

“People can carry a bit of negativity from their parents because gin used to be seen as a bit of a rough drink, whereas gin now is more accessible,” he added.

“This is not just a festival for the niche, I am really keen on getting other people involved – I want to bring gin to the people.”

For companies interested in getting involved, email info@ginpunch.com or follow @ipswichginfest.