Midsummer Beer Happening called off due to coronavirus pandemic

We had held off from making this decision for as long as possible given the huge effort already put into preparing this year’s event and we had sincerely hoped to offer some good news in these dark days.

However, given the ongoing drive to protect our NHS and save lives, it is clear the beer festival cannot take place as planned from June 20 to 22.

This is clearly disappointing and a decision that we have not been taken lightly but it is now outside our control. We know the Happening and it’s Sportive is a highlight of the year for so many people, not least ourselves.

If we can find a way for the festival to take place on a new date, we will try our best to make it happen, but given the current climate we can’t plan anything until times are more certain.

We are also aware the loss of the tens of thousands of pounds raised by the Happening will be a blow to the town’s community which has seen many great projects boosted over the years.

Past projects have included helping with the Stonehaven Sea Cadet’s new headquarters, contributing to the creation of the dialysis unit at the community hospital, paying for a Guide Dog puppy and its training and helping Stonehaven’s Men’s Shed fund its new home. We have also been in a position to give much-needed funds to local sports groups, projects to help with mental health and groups doing valuable work with young people, especially in sport.

While we will, without hesitation, give full refunds to those who have bought tickets already, we are asking people to consider gifting their ticket prices to a charitable cause instead. If you don’t want to contribute 100%, please think about donating a portion, be it 10%, 20%, 50% or whatever you think would be appropriate. If you haven’t bought a ticket and feel able, you might also want to contribute to our fundraising drive. Just go to the Midsummer Beer Happening web page for details of how to donate. We will be in touch in the next week to ask how you would like to proceed.

Whatever you give, 100% of your donation will go directly to the charity we have nominated to support this year – Stonehaven’s Men’s Shed which offers a place for men of all ages to meet, socialise and be active on a range of projects, including many which directly benefit the community. Obviously not in use at the moment, however the shed will be vitally important as we begin to emerge from this crises in better times.

We know this is a hard time for many people, but it is particularly hard for the causes we want to help. For many of them, their revenue stream has dried up completely.

If the Happening can help, in even a small way, we think that would keep the spirit of this extraordinary event alive even in these challenging days.

So, thank you for your understanding, thank you for your support in past years, thank you for your support this year.

We look forward to the days when we can again welcome you to the Midsummer Beer Happening and celebrate happier days to come.

CONTACT: Organiser Robert Lindsay on 07840 678243 or at brewbob@sixdnorth.co.uk