Line-up revealed for real ale festival

The festival, which runs until Saturday, March 3, will feature a total of 28 live performances ranging from blues, rock and funk to swing and jazz.

Headlining is Steve Littlewood, a Freddie Mercury tribute act. Other performers will include rock and blues act “The Supermodels”, Ministry of Sound vocalist Lisa McKnight and the Phil Brodie Band.

Festival organiser Stephen Burns said: “We wanted to bring together a range of different types of performances that means, no matter what type of music you like, there will be something to suit every taste.

“And with three stages that are packed with 28 separate performances there’s plenty to see and hear.

“Although the festival is perhaps best known for the varied selection of real ales available, our diverse and varied entertainment line-up offers access to a range of talented performers, many of whom command premium prices to see them perform in their own right, helping to create the unique environment that makes the Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival such a special atmosphere.”

This year’s 20th annual festival, dubbed “Baas of Steel”, will bring together more than 230 different real ales, specially chosen from the steel-producing areas of the UK.

In 2011, the festival attracted more than 10,000 visitors and helped to raise more than £35,000 to support local good causes.

This year the event is supporting Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Weston Park Cancer Hospital, the Rotherham Hospice and the Magna Trust.

Mr Burns added: “This year’s event promises to be our best yet.

“Last year was our first year at Magna and we are keen to build on the success we achieved.”