2011 isn't officially the year of Gin, but fans of the juniper spirit are invited to celebrate everything it has to offer at Gin Fete 2011. Aiming to become the "UK's largest celebration of gin", Gin Fete will take place over the weekend of the 3rd and 4th September in Bristol, UK.

In the words of the organizers, "Gin Fete 2011 is a festival of gin cleverly masqueraded as a quaint English Fete". It will allow everyone to explore the diversity and versatility of gin by sampling the surprising range of Gin and Genever's on the market.

You'll be invited to learn about the history and production of gin and meet members of the industry to discover (and savour) lots of new and classic gins. Whether it's a classic Gin & Tonic, Gin Sling or Martini gin cocktail, you'll get lots of opportunities to enjoy your favorite tipple.

Of course, you'll also get to meet lots of like minded people who "love and live this most quintessential of English Spirits".

You can sign up on the Gin Fete website and follow the event on Twitter @GinFete.