HomeEventsBeloved British festival calls it quits after financial collapse

Beloved British festival calls it quits after financial collapse

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A British event series dedicated to gin has gone into liquidation.

World Gin Day is approaching in four weeks, yet the Faringdon-based business The Gin To My Tonic will not be taking part this year after ceasing operations.

The company was established in 2017 by friends Emira Shepherd and Paul Hudson-Jones, both gin enthusiasts.

The organisation, which arranged events throughout the country highlighting independent distillers and artisan spirit makers, encountered difficulties towards the end of last year and has now closed its doors.

Official records indicate The Gin To My Tonic Ltd owes approximately £55,000 to creditors, including suppliers and various local authorities across Britain.

Additionally, HM Revenue and Customs is owed £158,633 in unpaid VAT and PAYE contributions, according to a financial statement.

Industry publication Drink Edition reports that warning signs emerged in March 2025 when the company cancelled events with minimal notice.

The publication states that attendees raised concerns about inadequate communication, while distillers experienced delays in receiving payments.

It notes that the company’s sudden collapse represents a significant setback for Britain’s artisan beverage sector. The business had served as an important platform for smaller distillers to gain exposure and offered a dependable revenue source through retail activities at occasions.

The report adds that in challenging economic conditions, openness, sound financial management, and equitable business conduct are more vital than ever. Those affected may still have options for seeking compensation, though prompt action is advisable.

Andy Samuel of Shipyard Gin commented to Townhead Farm magazine that the situation represents another case of enthusiasm giving way to silence. Brands invested substantial sums to showcase their products at these gatherings. Several found it difficult to even cover their costs, treating the expenditure as a marketing expense simply to gain visibility, share their narrative, and attract new consumers.

The Gin To My Tonic’s website is no longer operational, displaying only a brief notice regarding the liquidation.

The Oxfordshire-based company organised events in Winchester, Birmingham, Norwich and, in 2019, a gathering at Oxford Town Hall to mark World Gin Day.

The organisers took pride in their connections with distilleries and frequently featured both established and emerging craft gins at their functions.

In 2019, Emira told the Oxford Mail that The Gin To My Tonic had rapidly established itself as a dependable and approachable resource for gin enthusiasts, and through their diverse gin-focused events, they continued to share their passion for the spirit in an approachable manner rather than appearing pretentious or exclusive.

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