NEW Milton’s Forest Arts is hosting its first Festival of Spirits later this month.

The event, which is all about spirits of the alcoholic kind, especially gin, vodka, whisky and rum, runs from noon to 6pm on Saturday, October 28.

There has been an explosion in new distilleries over the last decade and among the 18 gins on offer at the festival, Forest Arts is featuring gins from Hiltingbury, Silverback, Test Valley Gin, Twisted Nose and Dancing Cows Lymington Gin from Hampshire, Mermaid from the Isle of Wight and Conker, produced in Dorset.

As well as tasting and sampling, a range of entertainment will be included in the £10 ticket price.

Musicians Bad Cat, Krista M Green and Emma Blake and Tom Gwyther will perform, while Dr Kathryn Harkup will give a potted history of drinks.

Tickets are available by calling 01425 612393.