The first Sussex Gin and Fizz Festival, celebrating the best of local sparkling wine and gin, will be held in Lewes on Saturday, September 30, Nick Mosley explains what people can expect.

EIGHT gin producers and more than ten vineyards will be taking part in the one-day festival in the scenic, walled Southover Grange Gardens in the heart of Lewes.

Although Sussex is already well known for its award-winning sparkling wine, it is also fast gaining a reputation for its gin production too.

Exhibitors at the festival will include Mayfield’s, Tom Cat, Chilgrove, Brighton Gin and Harley House plus a new gin from the Rathfinny Estate in Alfriston.

There’ll be a choice of local mixers and soft drinks on offer from Folkingtons and other suppliers.

Adding sparkle to the event will be some of Sussex’s leading vineyards including Ridgeview, Bolney, Plumpton Estate, Court Garden, Breaky Bottom and Bluebell Vineyard.

As well as tasting fantastic wine and gin from a range of producers, visitors can enjoy live music, food and talks from industry experts.

Guests are welcome to take their own picnics and there will be a huge choice of foods, including home-made cakes and ice-cream.

Following the festival, visitors are invited to head to the new Depot Cinema in Lewes.

On offer is a special gin and fizz dinner menu plus a screening of Gosford Park.

For tickets and prices visit lewesdepot.org.

Sussex is fast becoming one of the leading sparkling wine producers in the world with bottles winning international awards.

Visitors can travel free on a special gin and fizz bus from Brighton to Lewes, leaving from the Old Steine at 10.30am and 12.30pm only.

Tickets must be bought in advance and allocation is on a first come, first served basis.

The event opens at 11am and tickets are £10 (accompanied children under 14 go free).

They are available at sussexginandfizzfestival.com or in person from Lewes or Seaford tourist information centres.

Alternatively you can buy them from the Symposium or Union Music Store, in Lewes.