Festival marks 30 years of brewing in Hilden

IF your idea of the perfect music festival includes rubbing shoulders with hundreds of Belfast Blondes, Headless Dogs and Lymestone Cowboys (some of the quirky named beers on offer) while dancing in the courtyard to the beats of Doghouse, Lee Hedley and The Farriers then there’s only one place to go: the hugely popular Hilden Beer and Music Festival which runs in the lush parkland grounds of Lisburn’s famous Hilden Brewery, August 26-28.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Aug 2011, 15:22 BST

Marking 30 years of brewing at Hilden, the Scullion family, who run the business, say this year’s festival will be one of the best.

“We have planned the biggest line up of beers and bands since our very first beer festival took place here over 25 years ago,” said Siobhan Scullion, one of the three siblings including Frances and Owen now in charge of the Brewery and Restaurant businesses.

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“We’re the oldest boutique festival around,” added head brewer Owen, “and the best bit is you don’t need wellies to enjoy it.”

Improved

Musical director Aaron Rossi said the festival programme has been improved this year.

“With two stages, more than 20 live acts and performances ranging from folk to ska and rock to gospel, our appeal will be more wide-ranging than ever,” he explained.

“Festival favourites, Doghouse and Anthony Toner return to the main stage and the Tipi Garden Stage and in addition we are delighted to welcome the likes of Ben Glover, Inishowen Gospel Choir and Phoenix Fire to the musical line up.”

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This year’s Festival is being run in partnership with Mencap and John Phillips, Fundraising Officer for Mencap in Northern Ireland said: “I am absolutely delighted that Mencap has been chosen as the charity partner for the 2011 Hilden Beer Festival and look forward to working with this great team.  

“Funds raised from this event will be vitally important to enable Mencap continue its work supporting people with a learning disability here in Northern Ireland.”

Admission costs from £7.50 to £12.50 or a special price of £22 for all three days. And as if any incentive were needed, early birds arriving before 4pm also get a free barbecue.

Tickets are on sale from Hilden Brewery direct or Molly’s Yard, Botanic Avenue, Belfast. For Credit or Debit card sales telephone 028 92663863. For more information and a full band line up go to www.taproomhilden.com.