Cancelled beer festival raises cash for group

A cancelled north-east beer festival has raised thousands of pounds for Stonehaven’s Men’s Shed thanks to the generosity of its fans.

The annual Midsummer Beer Happening in the town’s Baird Park always raises money for local causes.

Sadly this year’s event, which was due to have taken place this past weekend, was called off.

But thanks to a scheme where ticket-buyers were invited to donate some or all of the cash they had already spent, those behind the festival have nonetheless been able to give the Stonehaven Men’s Shed £7,000.

The cash will help the organisation meet this year’s running costs amid difficult circumstances.

Robert Lindsay, the organiser of the beer festival, said: “We asked folk to consider sacrificing a portion or all of the price of the tickets they had bought for this year to help our chosen charity.

“I’ve been truly staggered by the show of generosity.”

Mr Lindsay said the money would be “put to good use by the Men’s Shed”, which he described as a “vital resource”.

Bill Allen, chairman of the Men’s Shed, said: “This is truly amazing and reflects the tremendous generosity the community is showing at this difficult time.”

“I’ve been staggered by generosity”

Covid-19 put paid to the Midsummer Beer Happening