09 Oct 2023
The unseasonably warm weather brought in the crowds to George Street for this year’s Gin and Jazz Festival.
In contrast to last year’s downpours, the balmy evening proved a huge draw, with thousands of people packing out the road.
The event, which is now in its fifth year, is organised by St Albans BID and George Street Retail Association, and saw retailers and hospitality venues open their doors to late night shoppers while gin bars and food stalls lined the street and live jazz music filled the air.
St Albans BID manager Vivien Cannon said: “What a lovely evening! With 13 businesses participating, the event showcased the vibrancy of the independent retail and hospitality offering on George Street, whilst bringing together the community for a night of entertainment and enjoyment.”
Musicians included songwriter and jazz guitarist Chris Flegg – a popular city centre busker – ‘Enigma Duo’ with Pippa D. Collins and Matt Pallant, and the incredible Fitzrovia Jazz Trio.
There was no shortage of unique gin blends on offer including local café George Street Canteen producing an exclusive Honey Gin, contemporary jeweller Galio offering a unique Galio Gin, Trinder Hair Studios hosting Green Genie with their green tea infused gins.
The event also raised money for charity as Wagada Digital tempted visitors to savour their own Wagada Towers Gin for the charity MIND while Wharton Goldsmith held a prize draw to raise funds for Headway.
