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See pictures from gin festival at Ipswich Town Hall
The national gin festival at Ipswich Town Hall. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM/RMG PHOTOGRAPHY
A national gin festival is in Ipswich for the first time ever this weekend, with more than 3,000 people set to turn out for a tipple across the three days.
More than 3,000 people are expected to attend over the three days. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM/RMG PHOTOGRAPHY
Taking place at the Town Hall on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there are more 100 different types of gins on offer, as well as street food, live music and master-classes in mixing.
The festival was spearheaded by husband and wife team Jym and Marie Harris in 2013, and it tours around the country, stopping at a different location nearly every weekend.
Speaking at the Town Hall today, event manager Gizelle Madurai said: “We have had really good feedback and everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves.
“We have 38 events this year and we have included quite a few new places.
Visitors enjoy themselves at the national gin festival in Ipswich. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM/RMG PHOTOGRAPHY
“It’s gone really well, so we are likely to come back to Ipswich.
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“We try to do it at the same time every year, so the likelihood is we will be back in Ipswich this time next year.”
The Town Hall was bustled with visitors enjoying themselves this afternoon, with a live band on stage providing entertainment.
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However, with temperatures hitting above 20C (68F), some said it would have been nice to have a seating area outside to cool off and get some air.
A bartender creates a gin tipple at Ipswich Town Hall. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM/RMG PHOTOGRAPHY
Terry Gowley, who attended with Brian Manning, said: “I would like to see it come back to Ipswich, but a section out the front where you can sit outside would be lovely.”
While Jonathan Hayes, who was there with Jonathan Oxborrow, said it had been “great”, but added: “I would like for it to be in a bigger venue with an outside seating for a hot summer’s day.” The pair attended the national gin festival when it stopped in Norwich two years ago.
Gizelle said: “It’s been lovely weather but we tend to have our events inside as you never know; it was raining yesterday. We try to create as best as an atmosphere as we can inside.”
It was a gin festival first for Ria Perks, who said: “It’s been amazing. I have had a really good time.”
Visitors pose for a 'selfie' at the Ipswich gin festival. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM/RMG PHOTOGRAPHY
Rachel Frame added: “It’s a really lovely atmosphere and really good alcohol.”
It is the last day of the Ipswich gin festival tomorrow.
Staff at work at the Ipswich gin festival at the Town Hall. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM/RMG PHOTOGRAPHY
Staff at work at the Ipswich gin festival at the Town Hall. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM/RMG PHOTOGRAPHY
Visitors were given a glass and booklet on arrival. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM/RMG PHOTOGRAPHY
There were more than 100 gins on offer. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM/RMG PHOTOGRAPHY
