Lerwick Brewery has been announced as the official lager partner for the 2025 Rising North Festival, Shetland’s premier music event.
A specially crafted 4% easy-drinking lager, Rising North Lager, will be available across festival venues, including The Thule Bar, The Lounge Bar, Legion Scotland Lerwick Branch, and the Douglas Arms (Marlex).
The partnership revives last year’s successful association between two pillars of Shetland’s cultural scene when Lerwick Brewery provided the inaugural festival with its official “Steekit” beer.
Now in its second year, the festival will showcase more than 30 bands at six venues from August 14-17, including a sold-out Saturday night headline performance by Calum Beattie, along with free Thursday fringe gigs and family-friendly daytime events.
A celebration of Shetland’s spirit
Jonny Sandison, head brewer of Lerwick Brewery, said: “We’re thrilled to be the official lager partner for Rising North Festival 2025. This festival is a fantastic celebration of Shetland’s vibrant music scene and community spirit, and it’s an honour to play a part in it.
“Our new Rising North Lager is a crisp, refreshing brew designed to complement the festival’s energy – whether you’re enjoying a headline act or discovering local talent.”
He added: “Just like the festival, we’re rooted in Shetland’s culture and committed to supporting homegrown talent. This partnership is a perfect match, uniting great music with great beer.”
Festival organisers welcome local support
Festival organiser Joe Robertson said: ” Rising North Festival Committee is delighted to have collaborated with Lerwick Brewery for a second year in producing a festival beer.
“Last year’s “Steekit” was a major hit and it is great to see the beer on shelves everywhere, from the festival venues to local shops and supermarkets.”
He added: “Rising North 2024 had a major impact in Shetland in many ways. It breathed new life into many local pubs and the music scene has really begun to flourish with more events, festivals and bands appearing all the time.
“Having a specific beer brewed has been a big help in stamping the Rising North franchise into the community and we hope to extend this further in the coming years.”
A growing festival with deep roots
Following its successful debut in 2024, Rising North Festival has expanded to four days, featuring free Thursday night gigs across Lerwick venues; Friday and Saturday night concerts at the Clickimin Leisure Centre; family-friendly daytime events, including an acoustic set by Calum Beattie, and a Sunday chill-out sessions at Mareel.
About Lerwick Brewery:
Founded in 2012, Lerwick Brewery is Shetland’s leading craft brewery, renowned for its 60°north Shetland Lager and innovative small-batch beers. The brewery champions Shetland’s heritage through storytelling and community partnerships.
About Rising North Festival:
Launched in 2024 by a collective of local musicians, the festival celebrates Shetland’s live music scene across multiple venues. The 2025 edition features Calum Beattie, over 30 bands, and a mix of ticketed and free events.
