Midsummer Beer Happening 2024
13th - 15th June. Baird Park, Stonehaven

Midsummer Beer Happening in Stonehaven Set To Support More Than 20 Charities That Help Change Lives

The Midsummer Beer Happening in Stonehaven is proud to announce it will support more than 20 local charities and good causes this year – all of them working to make lives and the community better.

The main beneficiaries from the hugely popular three-day celebration of beer food and music’s giving strand will be the town’s Carronhill School, Edenholme Care Home and the Stonehaven Sea Cadets.

Also in the mix for support from the Happening – which will run from June 13 to 15 – will be Stonehaven’s RNLI, the town’s famous Fireballs Ceremony, Stonehaven Scouts, Mackie Rugby Youth programme, Stonehaven Folk Festival, plus many others.

A total of 23 charities in all will receive a boost from the festival, said Robert Lindsay, organiser of the Midsummer Beer Happening.

“We know that thousands of people are keen to come along and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Midsummer Beer Happening and everyone involved in the event are keen to make sure it leaves more than just happy memories, but also a lasting legacy for Stonehaven,” Robert said.

“So we are delighted to be able to offer our support to such a range of charities and good causes who are involved in improving lives – from the very young who are just starting out in life to those enjoying their golden years. Each of the groups we are supporting do so much to make Stonehaven such a special place for those who live here.”

Carronhill is a school which caters for pupils from P1 to S6 in a positive, inclusive and respectful environment, helping each child reach their full potential. Edenholme Care Home prides itself on “getting it right” for residents, offering a range of activities, events and facilities for them to enjoy.

Stonehaven Sea Cadets help launch local young people for life today, building their confidence and instilling a sense of respect, teamwork, and self-discipline, all while having fun and forging new friendships.

The Midsummer Beer Happening is a not-for-profit event run entirely by volunteers, and has supported charities and causes every year since it first started as the Stonehaven Real Ale Festival in the Town Hall some 15 years ago.

Robert said: “To date the festival has raised £314,000 to go back into our community. Everyone involved in making the Happening happen is so proud of that – but we also know we couldn’t do it without the help of those who flock to the festival year after year.

“We never take that for granted and always strive to ensure our guest have a good time – while knowing they are doing good, too.”

This year will see more than 120 beers on offer from the best of Scottish breweries, plus two from Belgium. It will also see the return of the popular al fresco food court and a rich music strand with the cream of north-east talent, plus its iconic cycling Sportive.

One significant date for Happening and football fans’ diary is Friday, June 14. The festival will have a large screen TV in place to show Scotland take on hosts Germany in the opening game of the Euros.

Robert said organiser have been hard at work preparing for this year’s event, which will be held in a purpose-built marquee at the town’s Baird Park, ready to create a special summer atmosphere.

“Once again, I cannot thank enough the army of volunteers who help every year. Without them there would be no Happening,” he said.

“And I would also like to thank our sponsors for this year, who have come on board to help us stage one of the most popular events in the north-east calendar. They are  Simpsons Malt, EnerQuip, The Bay Fish & Chips, Whittakers Engineering, NFU Mutual and Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace.”

“We are now less than six weeks away from throwing open the tent and welcoming everyone back in for a spectacular three-days of beer, food, music, laughter, fun and – hopefully – sun.

See you there!