HUNDREDS of people from Andover and beyond flocked to The Lights last weekend to sample different types of gin from local suppliers.

Around 650 people attended the Andover Gin Festival which gave lovers of the drink the chance to learn more about gin, how it is made and find their favourite.

Organised by The Gin Stall, the event returned to the town for the second year running, following last year’s success.

Aly Targett, one of the organisers of the event, said: “The festival was brilliant, really good, we were pleased.

“It was even better than last year and we got loads of positive feedback - we were really happy.”

Five distillers, Gorilla Spirits, Wessex Spirits, Corner 53, Anno and HMS Spirits, attended the festival to showcase their offerings to event-goers.

Speaking of the affair, Aly said: “When we first started it we wanted to bring a new big event to Andover as it has not had one before.

“It is just a really nice social event, different age groups come along and friends and family - we find we get different crowds throughout the festival. On Saturday night it was a real party atmosphere.”

Aly and The Gin Stall hope that the festival will return next year, with different distillers expected to attend the event to offer new flavours for people to sample and enjoy.