It’s seventh heaven for fest
Raising a glass to rugby’s fundraiser
side Perthshire’s P7 Organisers are hoping to raise a glass to a magnificent seventh Perth Beer Festival this weekend.
The bumper three-day event is held on the Fair City’s North Inch and organised by Perthshire Rugby to support its community activities.
Festivities kick-off with Perth Comedy Night this evening. New for this year, the evening will feature Perthshire favourites Fred MacAulay, Bruce Fummey, Joe Heenan and Jim Smith.
Speaking ahead of an event which starts at 8.30pm – with the bar open and food available from 6.30pm – stand-up and broadcaster Fred said: “I’m delighted to be coming back to my home town and entertaining the people of Perth.”
The following day sees the action move from the stage to the pitch as the annual Rugby Sevens tournament takes place from 11.40am.
Host club the Eagles, who won the event last time around, will face still competition from the likes of BT Premiership champions Ayr.
Local sides Crieff and Strathearn and Aberfeldy are also in the mix, as well as Caledonia League teams such as Strathmore and Hillfoots.
Other teams in the running are Greenock Wanderers, Dundee Uni Medics, Harris, Lismore, Waysiders, Drumpellier, Morgan Academy and Abertay University.
In the women’s draw visitors from Stewartry, Ayr and Broughton are a set to challenge a Perthshire Presidents’ VII as part of the local club’s ongoing drive to grow the women’s game across the Big County.
In place of the usual veterans’ games, a composite side known as the The Clan will take on Perthshire Vets in a mixedability match.
Spectators will be able to start quenching thirst when the first pints are poured from noon.
The drinks on offer will include the first delivery of local firm Inveralmond Brewery’s new Beltain variety – part of an extensive selection of beers sourced
Comedian Fred MacAulay from across the country.
Fallen’s Local Motive, Robinson’s Pint of Thrones and Stewart Brewing’s Jack Back also form part of the selection.
Live music in the marquee begins at 12.30pm with Perthshire Brass, inspired by the Oompah bands of the beer halls in Bavaria.
Throughout the afternoon there will be performances from individuals and bands from across the region.
In addition, a range of family-friendly activities – including a bouncy castle, climbing wall, bike track, rides, Rugby Nippers and Tartan Touch tasters – have been planned to keep younger festivalgoers entertained.
Locally-sourced barbecue food will be on sale throughout the day.
The full range of craft ales will continue at Perth Beer Festival’s ‘Big Bash’ on Saturday night.
It starts at 7pm and is ticket-only, with a limited number set to be on sale at the door on the day. Music will be provided by the Fair City’s finest, The Solid Gold Band – who will entertain the crowd with a mix of modern hits and songs through the decades.
Alan Martin, a director of main event sponsor Tan International, said: “We are committed to integration and support of our community and we’ve supported many causes and events over the years.
“We are proud to be the main sponsor of Perth Beer Festival, a fantastic community fund-raising event, once again.
“There’s an excellent range of activities planned and we hope that the event will be as successful as it has been in past years”.
A number of tickets are available for Friday and Saturday evening, priced at £20 per day and available at www. perthbeerfestival.co.uk