THE Isle of Wight Gin Festival is back — and will showcase 15 gins against a backdrop of entertainment across the weekend.

The fifth festival is being held Quay Arts on Saturday, October 2, and Sunday, October 3.

The Islan's own award-winning Mermaid Gin will be present, and Fever Tree is the choice of mixer.

There's a chance to sample small batch gins, as well as other favourites such as Scottish based Daffy's and Nottingham's Sir Robin of Locksley.

There are two different gin liqueurs to taste, direct from the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, by Fiona Addingham. Fiona finds locally sourced, picked or even foraged natural ingredients. The festival will showcase her cranberry and orange, and gooseberry and elderflower gin liqueurs.

The Isle of Wight Gin Festival charity is the Wight Brainy Bunch, and a gin-tastic raffle will be held in aid to raise money, with the chance to win from 20 bottles.

There will be live music, G&T cupcakes, and visiting distillers talking about their products.

A Gin and Jive session will be held on the Sunday afternoon, with JC and Angelina (a change to the original line-up). A DJ playing funky retro sounds will provide Saturday evening's sounds.

Local musician Greg Barnes is playing both days, and listen out for Steve Love's quirky Island songs, which includes a song about Mermaid Gin.

Quay Arts is offering Tapas style sharing platters throughout the weekend. The option to add the platters to the ticket price can be completed online at www.quayarts.org

Tickets are £10, to include four tasting tokens, or £18.95 to include the Tapas Platter.