RAISE a glass to Haslemere Museum which will be hosting the town’s first gin festival in June – featuring a wide range of local producers.

Blackdown Distillery is one of eight gin makers displaying what they have to offer. Established in 2012 in the foothills of Blackdown Hill, South Downs National Park, it has won gold awards for its Sussex Dry Gin, which uses 11 different botanicals.

The surrounding 40 acres of ancient woodland full of Silver Birch trees, are the inspiration for the first ever Sussex Dry Gin, Silver Birch Vermouth and Silver Birch Vodka.

As the gin renaissance continues to prosper, the increasingly popular juniper-berried festival reaches the most southerly town in Surrey.

Visit Haslemere’s Antoinette Francis said:“With several distillers so close to home, this is a perfect opportunity to celebrate its local gins with local people. The Haslemere Gin Festival will be introducing a wide variety of delicious gins from the area to help you, if you haven’t already, rediscover the pleasure of a great gin and tonic.”

The festival will take place on Saturday June 23. Gin enthusiasts will have the opportunity to meet distillers in person, sample unusual and intriguing varieties, take part in masterclasses and hear talks from gin industry experts.

There will also be a selection of live music and some fantastic food.

Visitors will receive a gift bag with a free Haslemere Gin Festival balloon glass, a mixer drink and a festival brochure.

Tickets cost £16 and are now on sale online at www.visithaslemere.com/vic/events – they will be limited so book early say the organisers.