The 2013/14 Cask Report came out a few weeks ago, if you are working in the trade this is a must read publication. Others interested in cask ale in general will also find it of interest:
http://www.caskreport.co.uk/cask-reports/report-2013-14

PRESS RELEASE:

The Sunderland and South Tyneside Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is pleased to announce the return of our beer festival, the Sunderland Octoberfest to the Bonded Warehouse on Low Street from Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 October. This is fifth year that we have held our beer festival at this venue.

We have put together a selection of real ales from micro and independent breweries from all over the country. Many beer styles will be available from mild, bitters, stouts, wheat beers, fruit flavoured beers and a chilli plum porter. The focus this year is on the new wave of small brewers from London, the East Midlands and Yorkshire.

All of the brewers located in our branch area will be represented- Jarrow, Maxim, Darwin and Temptation. We will be one of the first to have Jarrow Amber Ale- one of the first beers brewed on their new brewery following their return to Jarrow. 

The beer range is complemented by a selection of ciders from small producers from Gloucestershire, Hereford and Worcester. CAMRA nationally has designated October as Cider Month.

The festival is open from 4 to 10:30 on Thursday, 1 to 10:30 Friday and from noon on Saturday.

Admission is £1.00 and free to students and card carrying CAMRA members.

A souvenir glass will be available for sale or hire.

Michael Wynne 

(Branch Chair and Festival Organiser)