It may be the middle of winter, but one of Aberdeenshire’s most popular summer beer festivals has just announced it is returning in 2017.
The third Midsummer Beer Happening – which has raised thousands of pounds for good causes since it hopped to life – will take place from Thursday, June 15 to Saturday, June 17.
More than 4,500 people are expected to turn up to the town’s Baird Park next year to enjoy the best craft brews, and local food and music.
And event organiser, Robert Lindsay, said yesterday he aimed to build on the huge success of the first two happenings and its previous incarnation, the Stonehaven Beer Festival,
He added: “It might be six months away, but the work has already begun to make the Midsummer Beer Happening a fantastic three days for everyone who enters our purpose-built marquee.
“We’ve been scouring the country and continent for the best craft beers, real ales and Belgian beers we can find.
“Already, we are lining up the local producers who will keep everyone fed and the cream of the local music talent to keep everyone entertained.
“The feedback we get is tremendous. Everyone has a great time, they love the friendly, relaxed and very special atmosphere. That means a lot to us. As organisers, we are trying to put on the sort of beer festival we would want to go to – it looks like that’s working.
“We believe money which is raised in Stonehaven should stay in Stonehaven for the good of the community and we hope to offer a huge boost to local charities again this year.”
Volunteers from the charities, who benefit from the event, help run it during the weekend.
Mr Lindsay revealed there would be “new surprises” for visitors to the festival this year.
This summer, the festival raised £24,000 for a variety of local causes including Stonehaven Sea Cadets, Home Start Kincardine and Mackie FP Rugby Club.
