Charity beer festival saved after new venue announced

Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor Round Table are moving the three-day festival to Whitworth Hall, near Spennymoor, after finding themselves forced to quit the Bishop of Durham's official residence, Auckland Castle, where it had been staged for its first two years.

The event, which has raised more than £10,000 for good causes, is also changing its name from Casks at the Castle to Casks Three.

The Round Table took the decision to leave Auckland Castle after the castle's board of trustees decided organisers would have to pay a commercial rate for hiring the facilities.

The Right Reverend Tom Wright, Bishop of Durham, pulled the first pint at the first event, in 2005, and the festival had seemed to have become an established attraction in Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum's acclaimed events programme, which is in line for an Enterprising Britain award later this month.

Several hotels and other organisations came forward with the offer of a new home, after round table chairman Chris Robinson told readers of The Northern Echo of his fears for its future.

They included Sedgefield Racecourse, Spennymoor Leisure Centre, Walworth Castle Hotel, Bishop Auckland Masonic Hall, the Dog at Heighington and the Elite Hall, Crook.

Mr Robinson said yesterday: "After much consideration, we have unanimously chosen Whitworth Hall Country Park and Hotel as the venue for Casks Three.

"Their new purpose-built marquee and its surroundings are magnificent."

Mr Robinson said the new location, only three miles from Bishop Auckland, also gives the added catchment of festival-goers from Spennymoor and Durham.

After discussions with the hotel, a provisional date in May is being considered for the festival and organisers are booking bands and arranging sponsors.

Mr Robinson added: "We are hoping to team up with a local bus company as the major sponsor. We would like to see a shuttle bus from both Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor bus stations throughout the festival."