Stonehaven beer festival to celebrate its 10th anniversary

Organisers of one of Scotland’s biggest beer festivals have announced special plans for their 10th anniversary celebration in Stonehaven.

T h e M i d s u m m e r B e e r Happening draws thousands of people to the town each year and tickets are now on sale for this year’s event.

It will run from June 20-22 in a marquee in Baird Park.

Organiser Robert Lindsay said: “As this is the 10th anniversary of the event we will be offering a fresh twist on the Happening.

“Our thousands of visitors will find a new look with very special beers offered at pop-up bars, and a chance to meet the people who make them.

“What we are essentially creating is a marketplace where people can wander and enjoy some of the best beers in the world from top flight breweries.”

Mr Lindsay, founder of Stonehaven’s six°north brewery, added: “We have A-list breweries from around the UK coming along, plus top flight beers from across the Continent and the US, and at least 10 local brewers on hand.

“With more than 120 different beers on offer there will be something to delight everyone.

“Tickets fly out the door every year we go on sale, and we expect this special year to be busier than ever.”

The Happening started as the Stonehaven Real Ale Festival organised by a group of pals who wanted to put on something in the town hall.

Its popularity has grown over the years and it now attracts more than 5,000 visitors a year.

The not-for-profit festival has also raised in excess of £125,000 for good causes.

A cycling sportive now runs alongside the event and 350 riders have already signed up to take on routes of 52, 70 or 100 miles, all featuring the gruelling climb over the Cairn O’ Mount.

Robert added: “The sportive is now one of the most popular nonprofessional road cycling events in Scotland and goes from strength to strength every year.”

For tickets and further information visit msbh.co.uk