Blaydon Beer Festival sees new Firebrick beer launched – and charity bra wearing

FAMILIES are set to flock to one fo the North East’s top rugby clubs for a weekend of music, local beer – and wearing bras.

This weekend the fourth annual Blaydon Beer Festival, returns to the town’s rugby club with 50, almost exclusively North East, brews – including the launch of a new lager from nearby Firebrick Brewery.

Bill Locke, president of Blaydon Rugby Club – which finished third in National League One, just below the Rugby Championship – said, “We were thrilled at the response we got to the new format and to the additions we made last year.

“So we have even more planned for this year, so we expect it to be another huge success.”

The festival raises funds for the club’s youth and adult rugby teams, helps maintain the local grounds and clubhouse for use by the community, supports local brewers, suppliers, and entertainers, and raises money for local cancer charity Fighting Against Cancer… Together (FACT).

Kicking off the festival on Friday night musicians the Lounge Lizards and American Girl will take to the stage. Then over the weekend visitors will be entertained by Borderland, Blackjack, Dust Town Dogs, Maverick Rejects, Acoustic Beatles and This Ground Moves, as well as Irish Music from Tony Corcoran and the Kelly Hendry Irish Dance Troupe.

FACT are organising a “Pick-a-Pint” contest, a tombola, nail painting, tattoos and a craft table for kids. And for those looking to help raise even more cash the charity are organising a 2-mile “Bra Walk” to the festival grounds, featuring bras decorated with the group’s and Blaydon’s red & black colours.

Family fun will come in the form of a bouncy castle, magic shows, and a video game tent. While on Sunday the festival will also host a local market and a sit-down Sunday Lunch.

And on the bar there will be over 50 beers & ciders from local breweries, including Tynebank, Big Lamp and Wylam.

Click here for the full Blaydon Beer Festival beer list.

Food will come from local merchants, including fresh roast pork and turkey sandwiches, a choice of curries (including veggie) from Newcastle Street Spice organisers Sachins as well as a variety of ice creams, sweets and snacks.

For more information and to buy tickets visit www.blaydonbeerfestival.co.uk