BREWERS are setting out to prove they know how to organise a right royal knees up with a new festival of local beer and music in Morpeth.
The brainchild of Anarchy Brew Co, Mash Up Festival aims to bring together the burgeoning craft ale scene with a multitude of bands performing everything from rap to heavy metal and ska.
“It’ll be a showcase for the region’s beer scene, which is really on the rise, an opportunity for ourselves to push forward, and a chance to celebrate some of the best musical talent in the North East as well,” said organiser Ross Holland, who joined the company after his band performed at its Christmas party.
Then 80 beer fans packed the visitor centre to hear three local bands play, and Ross said he hopes that, having shown they know how to organise a knees up in a brewery, they can now take that to the next level, with two outdoor stages and up to 499 eager festival-goers.
“The Christmas party was such a success, so we want to keep it going and keep it growing.
“I think we’ll have a big crowd who come just for the beer and others who are more interested in the music, but either way it will be great for all the bands, who are from the North East.”
So far B>E>A>K, Rossi Noise, WTCHRS, Static Soul, Infectiouz, We Are Knuckle Dragger, Humanism, Patched Up Heroes, Gallery Circus, Warning!, Reckoner and DJ Kevin Morris have been confirmed for the day-long event on Saturday, April 27, with more set to be announced.
And the festival will also see the launch of a new beer, although it is being kept under wraps.
“Apart from Evolution you look at the North East and there’s not a lot on like this, so we just wanted to offer people something different.”
Tickets, £15, are available from Bacchus on High Bridge in Newcastle, The Free Trade and The Cumberland Arms in Ouseburn and Olivers in Blyth. Camping, costing £2.50 per person, can be paid for on the gate.
