A festival celebrating Cumbrian spirits kicked off yesterday, with several companies on show.

Taking place at Grasmere Distillery, it’s the first of its kind and a month-long showcasing of locally-distilled artisan beverages under one roof.

The free-to-attend event features eight distilleries that own stills in the county and either manufacture their products from scratch or from a base of neutral grain spirit: Shed One in Ulverston; Pennington’s Spirits in Kendal; Black Cat in Penrith; Lakeland Artisan in Kendal; Strand in Wasdale; Stanaway’s in Whitehaven; Lakes in Bassenthwaite and; Grasmere, the host.

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During the festival, attendees can try cocktails made with the local spirits and sample 20 vodkas, rums, whiskies, liqueurs and numerous gins, including botanicals, pinks, London dry gins, and fruit-forward varieties.

These spirit samples will be paired with similarly locally produced soft drinks, tonics and mixers.

A spokesperson from Grasmere Distillery said the company ‘wanted to celebrate the real makers and distinctive drinks’ being made across the county and Lake District.

“It’s all about showing the importance of what we’re all doing.

“Those taking part are all doing things properly – supporting local jobs and growing skills in our county rather than sourcing products from large-scale makers outside the region, which in reality have little or no provenance and add little value to the local economy,” they added.

It’s also hoped the festival will encourage drinkers to be more adventurous in their spirit choices, opting for local products over premium, global brands.

The month-long event will be held at Grasmere’s Distillery’s tap room The Good Sport, which opens its doors until 10pm Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and until 11pm on Friday and Saturday.