Aroundtown Magazine January/February 2024 edition

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
“
Whether you’re in it
for the beer, bands or
both, remember that
Rotherham Real Ale and
Music Festival is a charity
festival organised solely by
volunteers.
”
opens at Forge Island, over 30 years on from
when the last town centre cinema closed its
doors. To celebrate this, the Boardwalk room will
be showing films each night including classics
Laurel and Hardy comedies, and cult horror
movies thanks to the team at HorrorConUK.
As ever, there will be over 150 real ales
and ciders from breweries in all four parts of
Yorkshire. Prices will be £2.00 for half and £4.00
a pint.
Yorkshire’s world-famous Timothy Taylor will
have their own bar again in the main hall. While
the team at Chantry Brewery will have theirs set
up in the Boardwalk room featuring the core
range of award-winning cask ales such as New
York Pale, Iron and Steel Bitter, Black Diamond
Stout, and Steelos.
Along with beers from some of South
Yorkshire’s finest breweries such as Abbeydale,
Bradfield, Gorilla, and Nailmaker, there will
also be a guest bar featuring some West
Country breweries.
For those who don’t like beer, there is a gin
and cocktail bar, lots of cider and perry choices,
and even beer that tastes like lager. There will
also be free soft drinks for designated drivers and
tee-totallers.
This year, in keeping with the Hollywood
theme, you can also have your name included
in their Hall of Fame that will see gold stars will
be placed down the hallway. They cost £50 and
include ticket entry for two people for any night,
plus a star to take home afterwards. A great idea
for birthdays, anniversaries, or just to give a shout
out to your own shining star.
Whether you’re in it for the beer, bands or both,
remember that Rotherham Real Ale and Music
Festival is a charity festival organised solely by
volunteers. All proceeds from the festival will go
towards their chosen charity, Rotherham Cancer
Care Centre at Clifton which provides counselling
and therapies to cancer patients and their
families.
The team are always on the lookout for
volunteers for before, during and after the event.
So, if you have a few hours to spare to clean
the pumps, put posters up, man the bars, or set
up the stages then your help will be invaluable.
All volunteers work shifts over the weekend and
will get free food and drinks, as well as a festival
t-shirt and the chance to see these amazing live
acts perform.
To buy tickets, visit
www.magnabeerfestival.uk.
THE
DIRECTORS
CUT
Thursday 7th, Friday 8th
and Saturday 9th March
Entry £12
Beer tokens can be bought with cash or card
A look-back at Rotherham Real Ale
and Music Festival
1993 Started by Jim and Jan Charters
at Oakwood School with 22 beers
and one band
2000 Start of the annual themes,
beginning with Yorkshire Greater Ales
2004 Baa’sil the sheep, the official
mascot, first appeared, designed by
cartoonist Dave Howarth
2011 Moved to Magna due to growing
visitor numbers and popularity of the event.
Attended by 10,000 people who bought
85,000 glasses of beer.
2015 Held in June instead of the
usual early spring slot
2021 First virtual event owing to
the coronavirus pandemic
Recent themes
2023 Baa t’at (Yorkshire themed festival)
2022 Festival for heroes
2020 Lambusters
2019 Baas, Bands and Beers
2018 Best Party in Town
2017 Mines a Pint!
2015 Baa-Watch
2014 Ale to the Festival (Roman themed)
2013 Baa’sil Goes West
2012 Baa’s of Steel
• Over 150 beers and ciders
from Yorkshire breweries
• Wines, prosecco and gin
• Free soft drinks/alcohol-free
beer for designated drivers
• Food stalls, merchandise, and
Saturday afternoon marketplace
Live music in the main hall
Thursday Open Mic Night
Friday Funky Business
Saturday THE LEATHERNECKS
Thurs & Fri 6pm-11pm
Sat 12pm-11pm*
*Free re-entry with 2024 RRAMF glass
Book your tickets online
www.magnabeerfestival.uk
Magna Science Adventure Centre,
Templeborough, Rotherham S60
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