Gin festival moors at TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show 2018

Brand new festival offers immersive experience for nautical gin lovers.

Centuries of being the established tipple of choice at sea and inspired by its ever-growing popularity, TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show will launch its first ever gin festival to run within the Show throughout the 10 days (14-23 September 2018).

At the inaugural Harbourside Gin Festival with Pegasus Life, guests are invited to unwind and take time to truly appreciate a selection of hand-picked local and nautical-themed gins. All whilst basking in the last of the summer sun against a breath-taking backdrop of some of the world’s most luxurious and innovative yachts.

Not too dissimilar to the gins rationed to officers of the British Royal Navy for over 200 years, visitors will be able to enjoy some of the finest gins from UK distilleries skilfully paired by award-winning mixologists.

These include, among a number of other brands, Surrey Hills based spring-fed distillery Silent Pool and Salcombe Gin, one of the world’s only distilleries directly accessible by boat. As well as Mr Hobbs Gin, a family-run distillery who gives you the most enjoyable way to “mess about on the river’’.

All Boat Show visitors can enjoy this brand new festival. Housed within a tranquil pop-up garden set with plush parasoled seating, a festival bar and live music courtesy of resident pianist Danny Mills, who can play and sing over 2,000 songs from memory, from Ed Sheeran to Sinatra.

But for those connoisseurs who want to further immerse themselves in the world of gin, there is our exclusive Harbourside Gin Festival Experience, which can be enjoyed by a select number every day.

This brand-new premium package features a welcome cocktail designed by the Show’s mixologists and access to the intimate Gin Lounge, a private seating area with spectacular views of the Boat Show. Most importantly, it includes a bespoke masterclass where guests can take a journey through the wonderful world of botanicals. They will be able to sample an array of spirits whilst the resident gin expert talks through each one’s origins, smell and flavours. Then with this newfound knowledge, they’ll have the opportunity to create their very own gin.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show is Britain’s biggest boating festival showcasing the lifestyle, fun and excitement that being on the water has to offer.

Whether tempted to dip your toe in for the first time, an aspiring sailor or seasoned boater, it offers a fantastic social experience, the chance to stock up on the latest boating gear and the perfect opportunity to indulge a passion for the water.

The Harbourside Gin Festival with Pegasus Life will run from 14-23 September 2018. Tickets for the Harbourside Gin Festival Experience are limited and start at £30.50 each including Show admission. For further information and to book your tickets visit southamptonboatshow.com/harbourside-gin-festival-with-pegasus-life.