A free festival celebrating World Gin Day is sure to be a hit with lovers of the spirit.

The third annual festival kicks off on Saturday, June 8 at midday and will be hosted by the Copper Rivet distillery, Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime.

Guests can expect to sample the distillery's gin through a range of exciting cocktails.

But there's also something in it for people who are not gin lovers, as Copper Rivet also makes vodka and a grain spirit. It is also working on producing its own whisky.

The distillery is housed in a former pump house which was constructed in 1873. It was opened by the Russell family in 2017; the same family opened Topper's Wine Bar in Rainham in 1979.

Richard Bush, front of house manager said: "We acknowledge where we are, we are a local business. The grain is from Sheppey, the workforce are from the surrounding area.

"We have a very good relationship with our growers, they keep us updated on how its all going to make sure we get the best yield, the best quality grains."

The locality of the grains is something the company prides itself in; each bottle comes with a unique code which customers can type into their website to reveal when and where the grain was harvested.

"It's something a little bit extra to go with the story. That's why we do the tours to show that what they're are purchasing isn't just a label on a bottle, it isn't just a brand."

Six tours will take place on the day, where people will get to experience the full distilling process from pump to bottle- tours can be booked for £14 via www.copperrivetdistillery.com.

Live music from the Clea Llewellyn duo and DJ Vinyl Matt will be performed until 10pm in neighbouring deli McGuire's Fine Foods, which will also be serving up a special menu of spirit-infused dishes.

For more information, visit their website.

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