It’s not long now until the return of the annual Dorchester Beerex held in the Corn Exchange.

The event is organised by members of West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club.

It takes place over four sessions, starting on Friday February 2, with a lunchtime and evening session and again on Saturday February 3.

Cerne Abbas Brewery continues to support the event as the main sponsor and the owners will be on hand for a drink and chat, alongside a selection of the beers they brew including a festival 'one-off', Vic’s Secret, a 4.6% fruity pale ale.

A total of over 100 cask ales and ciders will be on offer including local Dorset breweries such as Eight Arch of Wimborne, Gyle 59, Palmers of Bridport and the new Big Dig brewery near Winterborne Kingston.

For cider drinkers there will be a traditional range, such as Cranborne Chase Vintage and Dorset Nectar Wild Cat, and flavoured ciders with real fruit such as Twisted Cloudy Lemonade, Dorset Nectar Honey Bubble.

Beerex committee chairman Adrian Carey said: "I feel honoured and privileged to be co-ordinating such a fantastic dedicated committee of people all looking forward to celebrating breaking through the quarter of a million pound mark.

"Beerex is proof that beer and cider can be associated with positive things, I am looking forward immensely to the Friday opening where I will be raising a glass to all who have volunteered or sponsored the event”

Now in its 35th year, the festival has raised funds in excess of £248k for charity and will be hoping to smash past a quarter of a million after this year's event.

This year’s primary charity, Amelia’s Rainbow, is named after a Dorset girl Amelia-Grace Cooper who sadly lost her life to cancer.

The charity supports children in Dorset and the surrounding area suffering from any terminal, life-limiting, serious and 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."

Entertainment will see  Chris Davies performing on Friday evening, accompanied with an acoustic guitar and piano.

Whilst on Saturday night, That Britpop Band will perform a selection of early 90s covers.

Tickets for the festival are priced at £11 and are available from the Convivial Rabbit, Tom Browns and Copper St Brewery Tap in Dorchester; The Brace of Butchers in Poundbury and The Globe Inn in Weymouth, or online at  www.camrawdorset.org.uk

The festival also relies on the good will of local businesses and individuals through barrel sponsorship. 

To find out more contact Dave Harris via 07977 918130 or through the festival website www.beerex.org.uk