The Rotherham Real Ale & Music festival takes place at Magna (between Meadowhall and Rotherham town centre) from 22 to 25 April and is a fund raiser for Rotherham Cancer Care and the Magna Trust.
The theme this year is “Rack & Roll”, reflecting the fact the festival takes place at the same time as the World Snooker Championships at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre and also features live music!
There will be a preview evening on Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm with CAMRA members and publicans invited to come along and try the beers while the full range is available.
The festival proper kicks off Thursday evening at 6pm with Funky Business taking to the stage.
On Friday the festival opens at midday with entertainment announced so far being Richard Ford (acoustic/piano) in the afternoon then Handsome Dan & The Mavericks in the evening. Saturday is another midday opening and Maltby Miners Welfare Band will be performing in the afternoon with the Leathernecks on stage in the evening.
More entertainment is yet to be announced at the time of going to press!
Tickets are available online in advance or simply pay on the door – more information at magnarealale.org.uk. Entry tickets cost £5 for the Wednesday preview, £10 for Thursday evening and £15 for the all day sessions on Friday and Saturday. Additionally a season ticket is available including all the sessions for £25.
The venue is even easier to get to this year with a new tram stop opening right by the front door! The Tram Train service runs between Sheffield Cathedral, Meadowhall South, Magna, Rotherham Central station and Parkgate every half hour until around midnight. Note that Network Rail engineering work will affect Rotherham area services on the Saturday night with replacement buses in operation.
First bus X3 (Sheffield to Doncaster via Meadowhall and Rotherham) also provides a regular service dropping off on the main road behind the venue.
Public transport information is available at travelsouthyorkshire.com and combined bus and tram passes are available on the Travelmaster app. For tram only tickets use the TSY app or buy from the conductor on board.
At the time of writing there was still sponsorship opportunities available (contact Matthew Ridsdale by phoning 01709 321585 or emailing matthew@cannonpr.co.uk) and volunteer staff are still being recruited – fill in the online form to get involved.
