The recently cancelled Gin Festival has been given a new lease of life as events company Roister has announced a takeover, saving the festival and re-establishing the September festival as a free-to-attend event.
The Gin Festival, now named Gin Fever, announced the cancellation four weeks ago after entering administration, but owner of Roister Vic Bains had other ideas. Vic, who also owns The Keys at Hoyland which has become well known for its annual gin festival, told Exposed: “It’s fantastic news for those who bought tickets to the cancelled event as our event is free for all! There’s also and option on arrival to buy a festival goblet with a G&T of your choice for just £8.00. We are making this such good value to encourage everyone to join us on our Zero Waste Journey and reduce the use of plastic and the festival.”
The takeover marks the start of Roister’s journey as the company looks to host high end, well executed food and drinks based events across Sheffield and Yorkshire as well as private events and corporate functions.
Organisers at the Kelham Island Museum have welcomed the takeover. “Many Sheffielders don’t realise we are a charity and the new festival will put important funds into the museums coffers and keep the industrial heritage of the city alive.”
As well as live music and over 100 gins confirmed for the event, there will also be free masterclasses and more specialised tasting sessions that can be booked in advance using Eventbrite via the festival Facebook page. Vic said: “I expect this to be a highlight of the event. Pardon the pun but the thirst for knowledge of gin is starting to rival that of wine, I’ve been running gin festivals for several years now and the public are really becoming expert in the subtleties found in every gin variety.”
Gin Fever will take place on 21 – 22 September at the Kelham Island Museum. More details are available on the Gin Fever Facebook event page.
