The beginning of June is always a big time of the year in Strathaven, with the annual Gala week – but this year it could be bigger and better than ever, with the Queen’s Jubilee – and bank holiday – on the first weekend of the month – and now plans for a Strathaven ‘Diamond Jubilee’ Beer Festival as part of the celebrations.

The Festival is being planned from Saturday 2^nd to Monday 4^th June – and one of those behind the idea, Andrew McGregor says: “Even to stand still ‘Gala’ has to improve year on year and long it has been muted that adding a more major event or activity would increase the overall experience for locals while encouraging people from outside the local area to partake.  The Diamond Jubilee offers a wonderful opportunity to hold a beer festival, an event that has proved popular in Hamilton, Motherwell, Paisley and Troon.  Unlike such events the idea is not to invite outside operators in to benefit but to keep the control local for the benefit of partaking hotels, restaurants, clubs, public houses and shops to which we would hope to add clubs and other organisations. There will also be an active promotion to support a charity, all are encouraged to nominate a charity.”

The Jubilee weekend is a four-day weekend at the start of Gala, and the Beer Festival proposed for the first three days – Saturday to Monday.  The Saturday is the opening day and involves the traditional raft race at Craig Bridge with added Terrier racing, Ferret Racing, Axe Throwing as part of an open day’ Round Table’ family fete, BBQ and Hog-roast at Strathaven Ales brewery.  The Sunday is proposed as the ‘Main Event’ on which there will be a promotion by selected participating Scottish brewers with some merchandising for ale and other products relating to the Jubilee; the plan is to maximise street theatre and local musical talent display.   A beer coaster spotting competition will be added to the traditional gala window spotting.   The Monday will be a quieter day aimed at further maximising the benefit of the festival to local participants. Nothing is fixed, so now is the time for anyone to propose ideas and especially offers of help.

The Diamond Jubilee is a one off lifetime for those not born by 20 June 1897; as a ‘one-off’ it provides an opportunity for all residents, businesses, clubs, organisations and societies to actually work together.   It might be helpful to think of a beer festival as a more interesting street party ‘without the cakes’?  Or perhaps a Gala Day without lager, if that is not legally discriminative?  

The one thing that is certain is that if the people of Strathaven do not want a beer festival there will be no beer festival; there is a very small minority that tries to block any initiative aimed at enhancing the community known as Strathaven – this is their opportunity to object before anyone tries again. Equally there will be no beer festival if people do not offer their help and support.

“So would anyone who supports a beer festival and, better, please indicate that support by email to ‘ craigmill123@gmail.com   Suggestions to improve the basic idea are also welcome.   The mailbox is open to anyone who wishes to object providing they submit their name.  Beer is the refreshment traditionally associated with fun, well-being, good spirits and friendship, the very elixir of life itself; if there is a community will Strathaven can have the best jubilee party of all.”

So what do you think? Would you like to see a beer festival in Strathaven to celebrate the Jubilee – which itself is at the start of Gala week this year, as Andrew says? Join the debate, post your comments and have your say here on s1strathaven