Scotland's biggest summer beer festival gets underway in Stonehaven
6,000 punters are expected in the marquee at Baird Park
What's believed to be the country's biggest summertime beer festival turns the taps on today (Thursday) ahead of one the warmest weekends of the year.
The Midsummer Beer Happening has been a staple of the Stonehaven summer since 2009, raising just shy a £250,000 in that time.
The not-for-profit was set up by a group of friends as an ale festival, but has continued to grow.
"We started planning for this year’s Midsummer Beer Happening in Stonehaven even as we were taking down the marquee after last year’s successful return following the pandemic", said organiser Robert Lindsay.
"That was a welcome comeback for us and we were delighted and grateful to see people flock back after a two year absence. We are determined to repay that faith and loyalty with an absolutely barnstorming Happening again this year."
Keeping it local
The purpose-built marquee will host around 6,000 people over the three days.
There's a "Scottish flavour" to this years festival according to Robert, but the more than 150 beers come from across the UK and Europe.
"There has been an absolute explosion in craft brewing in Scotland and we are reflecting that in the breadth and quality of beers on offer this year. It’s a chance to enjoy old favourites and discover new ones."
Food from a number of local vendors will also be available, including The Bay, Smoke and Soul and The Lobster Shop.
Charity connections
Robert said that spirit of giving continues this year with beneficiaries to include Stonehaven’s life-saving RNLI crew and the town’s Sea Cadets, as well as the world-famous Fireballs ceremony.
Since 2009, when it was the Stonehaven Real Ale Festival, £247,000 thousand pounds has been raised for local groups.
"This is a Happening with a heart and every year we do our best to support good causes that make a difference to the lives of people in Stonehaven.
"We couldn’t do that without the thousands of people who support the Happening every year.
"We never take that for granted and are always grateful to everyone who walks into the marquee."
Tickets are still available and can be bought here.