RAISING A GLASS: Volunteer Les Blair with some of the gin, vodka and rum varieties that form part of the Scarth Hall's spirit festival  					              TM pic
RAISING A GLASS: Volunteer Les Blair with some of the gin, vodka and rum varieties that form part of the Scarth Hall's spirit festival TM pic

GIN, vodka and rum from all over the world will take centre stage at an inaugural spirit festival at Staindrop’s Scarth Memorial Hall this Saturday, May 4.

The event follows on from a hugely successful gin festival at the venue last year. Les Blair, who is helping to organise the festival, said: “It went down really well and it was a really good fundraiser for the hall.

“The suggestion came from customers who enjoy vodka and rum and asked why don’t we expand it a bit.

“We have gins from as near away as Darlington to as far away as Japan.”

Complementing the spirits are a range of mixers from Fever-Tree. The festival gets underway from 2pm when people can start sampling some of the drinks on offer.

A significant feature of the event will be Paul Colman, of Darlington’s The Little Quaker gin distillery, who will describe the distillation process and which botanicals, such as fruit, are best to mix with different gins. Mr Blair said: “He will answer any questions on gin and distilling in general.”

From 7pm entertainment will be provided by accomplished pop and rock musician Martin White, as well as the D’ukes of Scarth.

Catering on the night will be provided by Two L’s cafe.

A limited number of tickets are available from the village post office, on the hall’s website and bar.

The organiser said: “We had approaching 100 people at the gin festival and this year we are hoping for as many.” Tickets cost £12.50 and include two spirits and mixers, as well as the entertainment.