SUNDERLAND MUSIC CITY has announced a new partnership with iconic brewery VAUX, uniting two of the city’s most passionate creative forces.
The collaboration will see VAUX launch a brand-new 4% pale ale inspired by the city’s official status as a global Music City, with the grand unveiling taking place at the Sunderland Craft Beer Festival on Friday 22 August 2025 at The Fire Station.
The beer will be available in keg and can format, making it possible for live music venues, bars and shops across the city and beyond to stock and pour this celebration of Sunderland’s musical identity.
As part of the partnership, VAUX will also support emerging local artists and DJs at the Sunderland Craft Beer Festival, with a Sunderland Music City-curated stage featuring standout new talent and established DJs from Sunderland.
Mackem music lovers are being invited to name the new beer, with the winning name chosen by Sunderland Music City and VAUX.
Entries can be submitted via email to info@musiccity.uk using the subject line ‘Name The Beer’, and the winner will receive a Sunderland Music City and VAUX goodie bag, plus an exclusive VAUX brewery tour.
“Building on our valued partnerships with the likes of Sunderland AFC, Sunderland Empire and the University of Sunderland, we’re proud to work with another legacy Sunderland brand in VAUX,” said Andrew Dipper, Marketing Director at Sunderland Music City.
“This collaboration brings our worlds together in a way that celebrates local culture, supports a great independent business, and champions our internationally-recognised music scene.”
Steven Smith, Managing Director of VAUX Brewery, said “We started VAUX to play our part in regenerating Sunderland and creating more pride in our home city – so our values align perfectly with the work the Sunderland Music City team is doing to celebrate and build our music community here in the city.
“Many of our beers are named after songs, and music is a massive part of our culture at VAUX, so we’re excited to see what names people come up with for the new line ahead of its launch at the Sunderland Craft Beer Festival” added Steven.
The Sunderland Craft Beer Festival will feature a wide array of breweries, food traders, and a music programme—offering the perfect backdrop for the launch of the new Sunderland Music City pale ale.
More details on the beer name will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Sunderland Craft Beer Festival takes place during the Sunderland Year of Music and builds on Sunderland’s official designation as a global Music City in January 2025, recognising years of grassroots development and cultural success and ambition.
The formal recognition by the Music Cities Network places Sunderland among a global powerhouse of cities like Berlin, Manchester and Sydney, committed to harnessing music as a tool for social and economic transformation, and marks a bold new chapter in the city’s creative future.
In total more than 500 events are taking place during the Sunderland Year of Music 2025-2026. Sunderland Year of Music events are being announced daily; to see the most up-to-date list visit https://musiccity.uk/year-of-music.
The Sunderland Year of Music is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
