A POPULAR fundraising beer festival that has raised more than £200,000 for good causes over the past three decades will be returning next year, delighted organisers have announced.

Organisers of the Dorchester Beerex were devastated at being forced to call time on the popular event this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But they have announced that preparations are now under way for next year's event, which will take place on Friday, February 4 and Saturday, February 5.

READ MORE: 2021 Dorchester Beerex cancelled

The 33rd Dorchester Beerex - organised by West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and charity partner Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary club - will be held in the Corn Exchange.

The event which attracts beer connoisseurs from near and far will include entertainment for guests as well as its popular raffle.

Palmer’s brewery of Bridport has once signed up as the main festival sponsor and past barrel sponsors will be approached in the near future for their continued generous support for the event.

The festival's main principal charity will be the Dorchester Youth & Community Centre (DYCC), which is based in Kings Road, Dorchester.

The two-day event is a major celebration of real ale and cider which attracts thousands from all over the country.

Since the event started in 1988 the festival has raised in excess of £200,000 for good local causes.

Beerex spokes person Rich Gabe said “We are really looking forward to providing our customers with a great selection of beers and ciders. "We missed the event in 2021 due to Covid and we look forward to welcoming regular and new customers to Beerex, promoting the U.K brewing scene while also raising funds for worthwhile causes."

Organisers said it was with 'great sadness' that they had been forced to cancel this year's extravaganza amid the Covid pandemic.

The the time of the announcement, CAMRA nationally was not permitting any beer festivals or social gatherings.

Over the years, proceeds from the festival have helped a variety of good causes.

This includes financing a new kitchen for Dorchester Scouts and supporting charities like Headway, Dorchester Stroke Society, Dorchester Alzheimer's Society and the M.V Freedom.

Larger well known charities such as Dorset& Somerset Air Ambulance have received funds and the Weymouth RNLI crew received new lifejackets.