Returning to Magna for its 15th year, Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival boasts four days of live entertainment alongside 120 different types of ales, ciders, wine and craft drinks from breweries in Yorkshire.
Held at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, the festival has grown into one of the UK’s largest indoor beer festivals, attracting visitors from across the country, it will support two local charities Rotherham Cancer Care Centre and the Magna Trust.
This year’s theme celebrates snooker in partnership with Snooker4all. The organisation provides opportunities for adults with physical and mental disabilities to engage with the sport, with festival proceeds continuing the event’s long-standing commitment to supporting local good causes.
Throughout all 4 days there is additional rooms open with options to participate in pub games and snooker challenges. On Friday evening will see top amateur player Callum Beresford, and a past winner of the English Under 21 Championship host a special exhibition.
Run entirely by volunteers and supported by the local community, Andrew is one of those who has been working and supporting local beer festivals for years.
He explained “It’s almost like a bit of a family that do festivals, that’s the best thing. It’s being with people, there’s a great social side to it.”
This year also introduces earlier opening times, with doors opening at midday on key days, giving visitors more time to enjoy both the drinks and an expanded live music programme. The line-up features a mix of local favourites and emerging talent, including The Leathernecks, Handsome Dan and the Mavericks, and Funky Business!,
Organiser Steve Burns shared his enthusiasm “It’s like organising the biggest party ever and I love just walking around and seeing people enjoying themselves.”
He added “We have people coming from all over the country. We’ve had people coming from abroad. They have one chap who lives in Spain and he emails me every year to say, when’s the festival?”
Tickets for the remaining days are still available