Wolverhampton's first gin festival hailed success despite queues

The festival was held on Saturday at The Grain Store, now known as the Gin Emporium, on Kings Street in the city centre.

It began at 2pm and saw between 800 to 1,000 people attend until closing at 10pm.

Queues stretched into Dudley Street for the event, which was held on the same day at the Enjoy Wolverhampton Live event.

Kelly Davis, event manager at The Grain Store, said: "It has been extremely popular. I don't think you ever really know how well something is going to go when it's the first time something is being held, but the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

"I would say to anyone that experienced a delay in getting in, thank you for your patience and we appreciate your understanding."

Helen Reid, 34, who works for Virgin Trains and lives in Wednesfield, attended the event with her mother, Julie Biggs, 57, a retired nurse from Featherstone.

Helen said: "We have had a lovely time today. It's like with anything, when you first start it's difficult to know how many people to expect but I think people should be understanding and patient because the venue is doing something that is needed in Wolverhampton.

"Events like this give the city a boost and especially on a day with such good weather, it was bound to be very popular."

Julie said: "I've tried different gins today but my favourite so far is Monkey 47, though Helen has enjoyed the one with raspberries and lemon."