Beer festival close to bubbling over £100,000 fundraising mark

A Stonehaven beer festival is set to pass the £100,000 charity fundraising mark.

The Midsummer Beer Happening, which has been running in the town since 2009 when it was the Stonehaven Real Ale Festival, has already raised £96,000.

Organisers hope to surpass £100,000 at this year’s event, which will be held between June 28 and June 30.

The group behind the festival, led by the creator of the Six°north brewery in Stonehaven, Robert Lindsay, have announced the causes it will be supporting this year.

Stonehaven Sea Cadets, Stonehaven Amateur Swimming Club and local services provided by Alzheimer Scotland will all receive a boost.

Robert said: “We are confident we will smash through the £100,000 barrier with this year’s Happening, helped by our thousands of visitors and army of volunteers.

“It was thanks to them we raised £27,500 last year.

“We think everyone will agree these are all fantastic causes.

“It adds to the special atmosphere of the Happening that everyone who comes along to drink great beer, eat award-winning food and listen to outstanding local musicians will not only be feeling good, but doing good.”

The volunteer-led event is expected to bring more than 5,000 people to the town’s Baird Park to sample 120 different beers, as well as a selection of live music and food.

Drew Lawson, sailing principal for Stonehaven Sea Cadets, said: “It’s amazing to have the support of the Happening again.

“The contribution will be put towards our new headquarters.”