THE summer is set to begin at Forest Arts Summer Festival of Spirits in New Milton on Saturday June 16.

The team at Forest are creating a special gin garden in the grounds of the multi purpose venue – so visitors can make the most of the spectacular summer sunshine as they sample some of the most exciting gins and vodkas from around the local area.

Building on the success of their first Festival of Spirits in 2017, Helen Cundy and the Forest Arts team will be transforming the venue’s Green Room Café and bar into a spirits taster bar for the day and giving visitors a chance to sample more than 40 spirits from across Hampshire, Dorset and the southern counties.

There has been an explosion in new distilleries over the last ten years – the most noticeable are the gins, but there are also new whiskies, vodkas, rums, brandies and liqueurs and local distillers will be offering more insight into their spirits in the bar and there will be live music in the theatre at both sessions.

Helen Cundy, Director of Forest Arts Centre, explained: “Our Summer Festival of Spirits celebrates some of the best ‘craft’ distillers in the area.

“We’ve brought together an amazing selection of some more unusual spirits for you to try – so why not gather together some friends and raise a toast to summer with us!”

The £10 entrance fee includes two complimentary gin samples, and visitors to the event will also be able to purchase £5 ‘gin & tonic’ tokens – which can be redeemed on any spirit and mixer. Food will be available to purchase throughout the afternoon and evening.

Places are limited – so visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance by calling the box office on 01425 612 393.