Annual ale fest kicks off with rugby showcase
Sport, live music and community spirit will combine on Saturday this week as crowds flock to Blairgowrie Rugby Club for its annual ale festival.
Although officially kicking off at the JJ Coupar Park pitches off the town’s Coupar Angus Road at noon, the event is expected to start at 11.30am with a veterans’ match involving local players.
Teams from Strathendrick, Montrose, Strathmore, Lochaber, Cowal, Stobswell and Crieff and Strathearn RFC – as well as the host club – will then battle it out on the pitch from noon until 6pm.
Blairgowrie RFC won the 10-a-side tournament last year at the start of what was a memorable season for the east Perthshire side – the highlight of which was stepping out at the national stadium in the BT National Bowl Final against Portobello in April.
Prior to Saturday’s final, the next generation of rugby talent in the area will be given a chance to showcase their skills as the Blairgowrie Rams youth section will entertain spectators.
Entertainment off the pitch includes a chance to take on the Ardblair Stones – a regular sight at the likes of Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games – as well as a climbing wall, bouncy castle, and air soft range.
Music will be courtesy of Perth Brass Band playing from 1.30-4pm followed by singer songwriter Neil McLaren from 4.30-5.45pm; female-fronted rock group Bravado from 6-7.30pm; DJ and acoustic duo Dave and Paul from 7.308.45pm and headliners The Swillers from 9.30pm. Their set will draw to a close at 11pm, bringing the curtain down on the event which also boasts a wide range of ales, spirits, wines and beer from main supplier Belhaven and local micro brewery Abernyte.
Blairgowrie RFC thanked all those who have contributed to the organisation of the festival, including more than 30 local firms or individuals who have sponsored the occasion.