A Mearns music festival will help the homeless and hungry this weekend.
Stonehaven’s Party in the Park is being held at the town’s Mineralwell Park tomorrow and will include live music, food stalls and a festival bar.
People attending the one-day event – organised by popular Stonehaven music shop Ma Simpson’s – are being asked to bring a tin of food as part of their entrance fee.
The cans will then be donated to the Aberdeenshire South food bank which operates from Banchory’s West Church.
Profits from the festival – including funds raised from the bar – will go towards Aberdeen Cyrenians, which provides food and shelter to homeless people across the north-east.
The gesture comes after a drop-in service offered by the charity – which helps more than 200 vulnerable people every week – came under threat in April due a lack of funding.
All bands and musicians have agreed to play the festival for free including locals Totico, Hoodoo Zephyr and singer-songwriter Craig John Davidson
Also playing are the Callum Cruickshank band, Sam Geddes, Lewis Fraser, Leighann Esslemont, the Emerald Sundays, Jamie Rodden and children’s favourite Sharky Sharky.
Festival organiser Chris Stirk said: “When we heard about the possible closure of Aberdeen Cyrenians’ drop-in service, the team and I had a discussion about how we may be able to help.
“It’s a shame that food banks have such an important role to play in today’s society but we’ve decided to do what we can for what is a valuable, local resource here in Stonehaven.
“The response from those who have already purchased a ticket has been fantastic and I can’t thank enough those who have donated already.”
Fundraising officer for Aberdeen Cyrenians, Rachel Sanders, said: “It’s incredibly heart-warming to hear that every performer is playing for free as part of the fundraising element of the festival.
“We really can’t thank everyone involved enough and we look forward to what is sure to be a fantastic day out for all who attend.”
Tickets are £7 for adults and £5 for concessions, while family tickets cost £25. They are available from Ma Simpson’s or through the shop’s website.