THE spirit is with us for 2017 as Manchester looks forward to separate Gin and Rum Festivals. Indeed so popular has been the return of The Gin Society Festival to Manchester Cathedral that an extra date (Thursday, March 2) has been added.
It debuted there last September and organisers promise even more boutique small batch gins this time around – the likes of Sir Robin of Locksley from Sheffield and Poetic Licence from Sunderland. They join 80 other gins to sample plus a prosecco cocktail. In addition participants will get to keep their branded Gin Society Spanish gin goblet
The festival - organised by Rule of Three Events, the team behind the Cathedral's recent run of vintage fairs, revives its retro theme with golden oldie music and live bands, too, while the street food on offer is totally contemporary.
Both Saturday March 4 sessions and Friday March 3 are sold out, but there is still availability for the new Thursday session (both 6.30pm-11pm) Tickets cost £7.50 + booking fee can be booked here.
Don’t confuse this event with its nationwide rival The Gin Festival, coming to another iconic venue, Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, over two weekends (Friday, March 24-Sunday, March 26 and Thursday, March 30-Sunday, April 2). It costs £9.50 + booking fee. To discover which sessions are still available and to book visit this link.
Rum more your tipple? Then put Saturday, June 3 down in your diary. That’s when freelance drinks curator Dave Marsland (aka the Drinks Enthusiast) is hosting Manchester’s first ever Rum Festival at – where else? – Revolución De Cuba on Peter Street.
It boasts over 40 types of rum including Bacardi, Chairman’s Reserve, Diplomático, Sailor Jerry and Mezan. Sample them straight or tackle a selection of rum cocktail faves mixed up by a bevy of brand ambassadors.
Dave Marsland said: “Rum is a staple within the Manchester bar scene, especially with the popularity of venues such as Revolución De Cuba, so I wanted to celebrate it. There’s so many incredible rum brands I felt the best way to celebrate them would be with a festival.
“The festival will host entertainment, themed food and drinks offers and gifts, so we really are going all out, plus there’ll be events running throughout the day to get everyone in Manchester involved.”
Tickets cost £15 for the festival (brunches and afterparties not included) which runs from 12pm-5pm, and include a welcome drink by sponsor Coco Re’al, along with a taster from each of the 15 stalls as you work your way round exploring the top brands. Prices not included in ticket, this is a normal bar operation. If the Festival sells out fear not – there is an array of ‘fringe events’ in the pipeline. Follow @McrRumFestival to keep in touch.