Three-day brewing festival combines hip with hops

The Mearns is to host some of north-east Scotland’s finest musical talent next week.

The three-day Midsummer Beer Happening is a celebration of brewing and music taking place in Stonehaven.

Production manager Stevie Kearney said the second annual event in Baird Park will see acts play from Thursday June 16 to Saturday 18.

He said: “This year’s line-up is perfect for a beer festival – people will really enjoy it without it taking over and feeling like a music festival.

“We felt the line-up worked well last year so we wanted to keep all the best bits and try and make a few tweaks here and there where we felt we could improve to create an even better atmosphere in the festival’s magnificent purposebuilt marquee.”

With backing from the BBC’s Craig Charles and Tom Morton, the Oxbow Lake Band headline the Friday night and will play for an hour and a half. They hope to thrill festival-goers with their blend of mod-inspired funk, soul and ska.

Other new additions this year include singer-songwriter Jo McCafferty, who has previously toured with famous acts such as Midge Ure and Marillion, while Aberdeen favourites the Inevitable Teaspoons also add to the line-up.

Last year’s mix of original songs and popular covers proved a big hit and favourites such as Richard Hannay and the 39 Steps will return, along with Further On, Red Dawg and Voodoo Vibe.

The Saturday afternoon will include the return of the Aberdeen Ukes.

Proceeds from the non-profit event go to local charities.

Visit www.msbh.co.uk for more details.