The Midsummer Beer Happening, in Stonehaven, has raised £45,000 for charity this year, bringing the total it has raised over the past 17 years to £473,000.
The Happening, a celebration of the craft of brewing, along with street food and music was held at the weekend, at Baird Park. Around 5,000 people attended. The £45,000 raised this year will be shared between some 20 charities.
“It was a brilliant atmosphere in our marquee over the three days, and the perfect way to get the party started ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup game in a generation in the early hours of Sunday,” said festival manager Robert Lindsay. “On Saturday, especially, there was a sea of Scotland tops, kilts, and Saltires, and plenty of smiles and laughter.
“We got the result we wanted on the pitch in Boston, and also here in Stonehaven, on what is usually a football pitch in the Baird Park, with so many people not just having a good time, but also doing good, by helping raise funds that will make a difference to so many lives here in Stonehaven.”
The funds raised will be disbursed among around 20 local organisations who support all aspects of life in the town, from caring for the vulnerable to helping young people, or simply making Stonehaven an attract and vibrant place to live, work or play.
The town’s world-famous Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony, Stonehaven Men’s Shed, and the local Sea Cadets will be the main beneficiaries, with each receiving £6,000.
In addition, £1,500 each will go to Stonehaven Air Cadets, Stonehaven Amateur Swimming Club, Friends of Kincardine Community Hospital, Stonehaven Land Train, Mackie RFC Youth, Stonehaven and District Lions, Rhythm Dance Nation, and Stonehaven Folk Festival.
And a further £1,000 will go to Home Start, Stonehaven Youth Club, Stonehaven Youth FC, Stonehaven Scouts, Stonehaven Guides, Pillar and Dunnottar Pipes and Drums.
