Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to host first-ever Rum Festival

On the 1st and 2nd September 2017, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will host its first-ever Rum Festival to honour the link between the Royal Navy and its favourite liquor.

Kicking off with an exclusive black tie dinner on board The National Museum of the Royal Navy’s HMS Victory on the evening of the 1st September 2017, the Rum Festival will be sponsored by Pusser’s, who have held the Admiralty’s own recipe since 1979. Pusser’s Rum is the only rum blended in exact accordance with the Royal Navy’s specifications; last used on 31 July 1970 on Black Tot Day – the day that marked the end of the Navy’s daily rum rations, a tradition that spanned over 300 years.

The HMS Victory Black Tie Dinner will be a unique occasion, experienced at no other time at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. As well as a lavish three-course meal, hosted amongst the guns and mess tables as sailors would have dined, guests will visit four ‘Rum Stations’ whilst on the flagship. Experts from The Rum Club will introduce a range of rums from around the world, explaining the different brands and their unique heritage and flavours, and after dinner guest speaker, Peter Holland from The Floating Rum Shack, will talk guests through rum appreciation.

The dinner has only 90 places available and tickets cost £200 each with tables of six available. To book call 02392 989776.

The next day, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will continue the Rum Festival for visitors. With a wide variety of rums, from local classics (like Pusser’s) to new potential favourites visitors can enjoy a ‘tot of rum’ whilst taking in the country’s most spectacular collection of historic warships including HMS Warrior 1860 and the Mary Rose Museum. Local musicians and food stalls complete the experience that should not be missed.

Tickets cost £20 each and can be booked on the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard website.