The hugely popular Gin & Jazz festival was a roaring success on Friday 6 th October in the city of St Albans, Hertfordshire. Historic George Street was the centre of festivities where locals and visitors celebrated the fifth year of this social occasion.

Retailers and hospitality venues opened their doors to late night shoppers while gin bars and food stalls lined the street as live jazz music filled the air. St Albans BID and George Street Retail Association organised the free festival.

Vivien Cannon, Manager at St Albans BID, says: “What a lovely evening! With 13 businesses participating, the event showcased the vibrancy of the independent retail and hospitality offering on George Street, whilst bringing together the community for a night of entertainment and enjoyment. We were delighted to have Sponsorship from Sofas and Stuff, WAGADA Digital and KP Waste for this year’s Gin & Jazz, all local to St Albans and contributors to the success of our city.”

The festival was packed with revellers enjoying jazz music from a selection of musicians. Songwriter and jazz guitarist Chris Flegg – a popular city centre busker – performed along with ‘Enigma Duo’ with Pippa D. Collins and Matt Pallant, and the incredible Fitzrovia Jazz Trio all contributing to the joyful atmosphere.

Customers enjoyed a range of gin brands while browsing the independent shops. And there was no shortage of unique gin blends on offer including local café George Street Canteen producing an exclusive Honey Gin, contemporary jeweller Galio offering a unique Galio Gin, Trinder Hair Studios hosted Green Genie with their green tea infused gins, The Hub served up Ware based Copper in the Clouds gin which included a Hertfordshire blend featuring cardamom, Sofas & Stuff hosted South Saxon Spirits including their peach gin and Dwayne Edwards Bespoke Kitchens served customers Spirits of Hertfordshire’s Alban Gin with flavours inspired by the city’s cathedral.

The event also raised money for charity; Wagada Digital tempted visitors to savour their own Wagada Towers Gin for the charity MIND while Wharton Goldsmith held a prize draw to raise funds for Headway.

Harry, who was visiting St Albans from Australia, said: “The music was amazing with incredible performances and the drinks and atmosphere was amazing, all against a historic back drop. Fantastic!”

Find out more about what’s on in St Albans this Autumn at www.EnjoyStAlbans.com @EnjoyStAlbans and @ShopStAlbans