BINGO lovers are invited to get their Legs Eleven to Sunderland this summer and raise a glass to their favourite game.
As part of Sunderland city centre’s first ever Food and Drink Festival, from 21 and 23 June, a series of Gingo classes are planned, at The Looking Glass, Athenaeum Street.
The hour-long sessions will give participants the chance to learn more about the nation’s favourite spirit, while wielding their dabbers for a game of bingo – and organisers are expecting a full house.
“Some exceptional gins are being produced in this region,” said Gingo ginstructor, Georga Spottiswood.
“And, at Gingo, we bring in distillery owners to talk about their passion, how they started their business, the botanicals they use and how people should drink their gin.”
“Gin is a hugely popular drink – sales of UK gin at home and abroad doubled in the last five years and last year reached a record £2bn – and this is a great way to support artisan distilleries and have fun at the same time.”
The Sunderland Food and Drink Festival is the brainchild of Sunderland BID, and Sunderland City Council and the BID’s head of business operations, Sharon Appleby, said they are delighted Gingo will form part of the schedule.
“The festival will showcase a range of food and drink from local, regional and international traders and we will also be providing a packed programme of entertainment for the whole family.
“Gingo is a great addition to the programme because those who take part will have great fun playing the game while learning about one of our favourite tipples at the same time.”
The Sunderland Food and Drink Festival has also lined up a hat trick of famous faces from the culinary world with Jean-Christophe Novelli, former Masterchef finalist and tv favourite Dean Edwards and Cbeebies presenter, Katy Ashworth all set to take part.
Nicola Collinson, owner and event manager at The Looking Glass, said: “The launch of Sunderland Food Festival is excellent for the city and will hopefully help boost our local economy, while people can tuck into some tasty delights at the same time.
“We’re thrilled The Looking Glass is helping to host Gingo, which will be great fun for those who come along.”
The hour-long sessions will take place on Friday 21 June at 6pm and 8pm and on Saturday 22 at 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm.
Tickets, which cost £12 and include gin and tonic combinations, a game of bingo and the chance to win some top prizes, can be booked at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/316113.
For further information about the Sunderland Food and Drink Festival visit https://www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk/sundfoodfest.