Edinburgh Big Big Gin Festival: dates, venue, how to get tickets and featured gins

Edinburgh is a city of gin lovers, from casual drinkers to the aficionados, so it’s no wonder it’s also home to the award-winning Big Big Gin Festival.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

If you’re a gin lover, then this is everything you need to know about the festival.

What is the Big Big Gin Festival?

“There’s so much more to gin than ‘ice and a slice’,” says the event description. The Big Big Gin Festival aims to show visitors the best of the best when it comes to the world of gin.

Will you be grabbing tickets? (Photo: Shutterstock)Will you be grabbing tickets? (Photo: Shutterstock)
Will you be grabbing tickets? (Photo: Shutterstock)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

From drinks cabinet favourites to the latest newcomers on the scene, you’ll be able to try them all at the two-day event.

Watch expert mixologists make cocktails, browse a range of gin-inspired goodies and meet the makers behind various gin brands, with plenty of free samples to go around.

The Big Big Gin Festival says: “Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or completely new to the spirit, there’s something to please all palates.”

It’s also worth noting that since the event is all about alcohol, it’s strictly for those aged 18 or over.

What’s on at the festival?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

At the Meet the Maker events, you’ll be able to visit gin distilleries from all over Scotland and enjoy free gin tasting.

You’ll learn all about your favourite drinks as each brand presents their very own gin masterclass.

These are the makers you can expect to see:

- South Loch Gin

- Ar Baile

- Lunun Gin

- Fukang Gin

- Rule Gin

- Lenzie Gin

The bars at the event are also split up into three categories - Scotland, fruit and world - so no matter your taste, you’ll be able to find the right thing for you.

Also on show is ‘Gin & Yin’, brought to you by expert yoga instructor Syra Hynd.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As well as sampling gin throughout the session, you’ll be guided through the experience of Yin Yoga, a restorative practice that “teaches us how to slow down, release tension of the body and mind, and deeply relax” according to the event page.

Suitable for beginners and experienced yogis alike, sessions will be run at the following times:

- Saturday 25, 12pm - 1:30pm and again at 7pm - 8:30pm

- Sunday 26, 12pm - 1:30pm

You can buy tickets to Gin and Yin on the website.

Tickets cost £30, but this is just for access to the Gin and Yin event. You’ll also get a 2020 Big Big Gin Festival glass, gin samples throughout the session and a gin and tonic at the end.

You can also upgrade your ticket to include access to the festival after the session for an extra £10.

Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.

When is the event on?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The gin festival will run across two days, with three separate sessions on offer:

- Saturday 25 April: Afternoon session, 12pm - 5pm

- Saturday 25 April: Evening session, 7pm - 12am

- Sunday 26 April: Afternoon session, 12pm - 5pm

How do I get tickets?

You can buy tickets online from the Big Big Gin Festival website here.

There are a variety of tickets you can purchase:

- Saturday afternoon, general admission, £18

- Saturday evening, general admission, £18

- Saturday evening, The Terrace, £30

- Sunday afternoon, general admission, £18

- Sunday afternoon, The Terrace, £30

Terrace tickets include entry to the show The Terrace, which also includes an additional welcome drink inside The Terrace, seating, private cloakroom and concierge, a gin infused treat box and a keepsake bamboo straw.

You can also purchase drink tokens:

- Book of four pre-purchased drinks tokens, £20

- Book of six pre-purchased drinks tokens, £30

Your ticket includes the following:

- An exclusive Big Big Gin Festival 2020 glass

- The opportunity to taste over 100 gins from around the world

- Free tastings at Meet the Maker events

- A free gin and tonic

How to get there

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Big Big Gin Festival will be held at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh.

The full address is: Corn Exchange, 10-11 Newmarket Street, Edinburgh, EH14 1RJ.

Edinburgh Corn Exchange is easy to access no matter how you choose to travel. Here’s how to get there:

Walking

It is possible to walk to the Corn Exchange from the city centre in Edinburgh, but it will take roughly an hour to do so.

Bus

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There are a few different Lothian Buses that will get you to the Corn Exchange.

The number 20 will get you directly next to the Corn Exchange building, but the 4, 34, 35, 44, Skylink 300 bus will all get you to the Slateford Station bus stop, which is a five minute walk from the venue.

Train

Hop on a train to Slateford Station, which is roughly a ten minute journey from Edinburgh Waverley station. Prices start from £2.70 for those without a railcard.

Slateford Station is a four minute walk from the venue.

Driving

The Corn Exchange is easily accessible via public transport, but if you can’t leave the car at home, there are 300 free parking spaces located at the rear of the building.

As this is an event about alcohol, make sure you have arranged travel plans to ensure you don’t drink and drive.

Related topics: