One of Aberdeenshire’s biggest beer festivals, which raises thousands of pounds for local causes, has announced its 2016 return.
Stonehaven’s Midsummer Beer Happening will return to the town’s Baird Park from June 16 to 18 with a mix of brews, food and live music to enjoy.
Proceeds from the event are sent on to local charities and groups, with £16,000 raised for the Stonehaven Sea Cadets and the case for the Stonehaven Dialysis Unit.
Last year was the most successful to date, with about 5,000 people attending across the weekend.
The beer happening is a continuation of the annual Stonehaven Real Ale Festival, which was held in Stonehaven Town Hall for five years until it grew too big for the venue.
A 72-mile cycle challenge through the Mearns – which took in the Cairn O Mount – will also return as part of the event.
Organiser Robert Lindsay said: “As we are in the depths of winter, we thought we’d give people something to look forward to at the height of summer.
“And we’re sure the thousands who flocked to our first happening last year will be delighted to know we’re already planning a return with the best beer – craft, Belgian and real ales – we can lay our hands on.”
“Once again we aim to have the biggest range of beers you will find at any event in Scotland next year.
“We were on a steep learning curve by shifting from the cosy confines of the town hall to a marquee in a park.
“It was something of a leap of faith, but the people of Stonehaven – and much further afield – more than rewarded that faith by helping us create an event that was simply wonderful.
“The buzz in the town and the feedback we received was marvellous. We’ve learned a lot from our first outing, so next year is going to be so much better in so many ways.”
A sale date for tickets will be announced later in the year.