WHAT: The Midsummer Beer Festival in Stonehaven aims to raise thousands of pounds for local charities in its 10thanniversary celebration.
WHEN: The Happening will be held from Thursday, June 20, to Saturday, June 22, in a purpose-built marquee at the Baird Park.
WHO: Organised by volunteers, the Happening is a not-for-profit event which attracts more than 5,000 visitors every year.
CONTACT: Organiser Robert Lindsay on 07840 678243 or at brewbob@sixdnorth.co.uk
ONE of Scotland’s biggest beer festivals will celebrate its 10th birthday by making a gift of thousands of pounds to good causes in the North-east.
The Midsummer Beer Happening in Stonehaven has announced the four main charities to benefit from the not-for-profit three day celebration of brewing, food and music which is expected to attract more than 5,000 visitors, next month.
The event, which has raised more than £125,000 for charity since it first started, will this year support the Men’s Shed in Stonehaven; Stonehaven Youth Football Club; Stonehaven Sea Cadets and the town’s Rhythm Nation Dance And Fitness group for kids.
Robert Lindsay, organiser of the Happening which will be held from Thursday June 20 to Saturday June 22 said: “These are all great causes which will make a real difference in the lives of people of all ages here in Stonehaven.
“We are sure visitors to the Happening will be delighted to support them.
“One of the great joys of the Happening is that all the people pulling pints, welcoming visitors and creating such a special, unique atmosphere are volunteers from the charities who will benefit.
“It’s a great way to celebrate not just brilliant beer but the tireless and selfless work of those who do so much for others.
“Last year, thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, the Happening raised almost £30,000 for our charities. As this is a big year, our 10th anniversary, we are hoping to do even better.”
The charities being supported all said they were pleased to be part of the Happening held in a purpose-built marquee in the town’s Baird Park – and said its support will make a real difference to them.
Bill Allan, chairman of the Stonehaven and District Men’s Shed, said the organisation had received funding to renovate the town’s Beach Pavilion, but found it was in much worse condition than anticipated.
He said: “The funding support from the Happening will mean we do not have to go down the laborious and uncertain route of searching out new possible funding sources and it will enable us to concentrate instead on getting the operation of the shed up and running to a much reduced timescale The trustees and members of Stonehaven and District Men’s Shed are extremely grateful for this support.”
Keith Ross, secretary of Stonehaven Youth FC, said: “The benefits SYFC will gain from the donation from the happening will enable us to furnish our teams with relevant training equipment, will also help with keeping club fees down. “
John Agnew, chairman of Stonehaven and District Sea Cadets, said: “The importance of the support from the Midsummer Beer Happening in Stonehaven cannot be overstated for the progress towards completion of the new headquarters for Stonehaven & District Sea Cadets”
Hayley Cameron, of Rhythm Nation Dance And Fitness, made up of local children who share a passion for dance and friendship, said: “Having recently qualified for the UDO World Streetdance Championships(to be held in Blackpool) and as a non profit organisation the support from the Midsummer Beer Happening will allow us to purchase each of our 40 dancers a new outfit to wear for their competition and fund transport.”
Robert, who is founder of Stonehaven’s six°north brewery, said: “Our charities are in place, our 120 plus beers are on order, our award-winning street food vendors areteed up and talented local musicians are ready to perform.
“The stage is set for one of the best Happenings yet. We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to the festival in June.”
For more information visit www.msbh.co.uk