Something for everyone at Hilden beer and music fest

Organiser Frances Maguire promises that this year's event will be the biggest and best yet with a great band line up on 2 music stages and 3 bars serving over 30 ales, stouts, lagers and ciders from Britain and Ireland.

More than 20 musical acts will perform over the weekend creating a line up that features rock, ska, blues, traditional and singer song writing talent.

Returning, as Saturday night headliners are Doghouse, Lisburn's very own supremos of ska. 'Never has the courtyard at Hilden Brewery jumped so much as when this 9-piece band took to the stage' remembers Frances 'they created one of the most memorable nights we've had'. Joining them in the Saturday line up are Katie and the Carnival, Nasa Assassin, Lazy Days and Ajenda.

The festival kicks off on Friday night with the Rockaholics, Mark Braidner and Microlip while lovers of blues tunes won't be sitting down for long on Sunday night when Belfast's Maritime Reunion Blues Band take to the stage only to be followed by the legendary Ronnie Greer and his 'Almost Big Band'.

Also performing will be the inimitable duo that is Scorpion Jack and folk rock group Cava.

"Singer songwriting talent will be the focus of our Tipi stage this year" explained Frances. " We are thrilled to have Gentry Morris, Aaron Shanley, Bellwether State and Mark Graham all playing on Saturday evening."

Frances goes on to say: "The Hilden Beer and Music Festival is Ireland's longest established open-air festival with our first event taking place in August 1984.

"The event has taken on a whole new life in recent years thanks to the increased popularity of craft beers and live music.

"This year also sees the launch of the landscaped Giant Tipi Garden featuring the Acoustic Stage "

The three-day event begins at 6pm on Friday August 27 and runs until Sunday 29.

Tickets are available to buy in advance from the Brewery and organisers recommend buying your ticket early to avoid disappointment.

Weekend passes cost just 20 and daily admission ranges from 6 on Friday night to 12.00 on Saturday.

And as if any incentive were needed, early birds arriving before 4pm also get a free barbecue.

For further information log onto www.taproomhilden.com or email [email protected]