Tickets for a popular Dorchester beer festival are now available to buy.

The 35th annual Beerex festival is now selling tickets for £11, which includes a free pint, souvenir glass and programme with a full beer menu and tasting notes.

Tickets went on sale from Friday, December 1, for the event which will take place on Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester.

Organised by volunteers of West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club, the event raised more than £23,000 last year, and is hoping to match or better that figure.

Beerex committee chairman Adrian Carey said: ”I have been involved with Beerex for three years now and have learnt from some very experienced beer festival organisers on how to run the event. 

“We have a great group of volunteers who help put this festival on, from the committee members who do all the backstage organising to the guys and girls who turn up on the day to set the festival up and serve beer to customers over the time of the event.

“Hopefully, this year will raise enough money to be able to say that after 35 years we have raised over £250k for different local charities, an amazing boast for a group of beer lovers.

“Thanks to all the local businesses that have sponsored the events over the years and thanks again to Vic and Jodie at Cerne Abbas Brewery for being the main sponsor again this year.”

Brewery representatives will be on hand over the weekend for a friendly chat and to give people the chance to sample their award-winning beers.

The festival will be showcasing around 80 cask ales with a selection of 20 traditional ciders and perries.

This year’s primary charity is Amelia’s Rainbow. It supports children in Dorset and the surrounding area suffering from any terminal, life-limiting, serious or chronic illness.

Charity manager Farah Batchelor said: ”We are over the moon to be chosen as a recipient charity. 

“We support so many families in Dorchester but we are still relatively unknown, so we really appreciate this opportunity. 

“Amelia's Rainbow supports over 170 Dorset children who have serious illnesses or disabilities. Any donation this weekend will help fund our two holiday homes that grant 80 free holidays a year.

“We also provide events, experiences and gifts to enhance children's play and learning. We're small but mighty so your support is really appreciated by all at our charity."

Tickets for the festival can be purchased at the following locations:

  • The Convivial Rabbit, Dorchester
  • Tom Browns, Dorchester
  • Copper St Brewery Tap, Dorchester
  • The Brace of Butchers, Poundbury.
  • The Globe Inn, Weymouth.
  • Or online at www.camrawdorset.org.uk

The festival also relies on good will from local businesses, companies and individuals through barrel sponsorship. 

If you would like to help contact the festival barrel sponsorship co-ordinator Dave Harris via 07977 918130 or through the festival website www.beerex.org.uk