A popular beer festival is set to once again welcome revellers - and tickets are said to be selling fast.

The West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) Weymouth Octoberfest is set to take place at Weymouth Pavilion on Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5.

The event will be split into four different sessions (day and evening) and the theme is beer from King Alfred’s 871 A.D. Wessex region.

Visitors can expect a selection of more than 70 ales and ciders from across Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The guest brewer this year will be Copper St Brewery which will have a selection of their own brews on their bar which will also feature a ‘mild’ which was brewed by members of the Octoberfest committee on August 1.

Customers will be able to chat to brewery owners Alistair and Tina Burrell over the weekend.

Rich Gabe, CAMRA committee member said: “The committee are really looking forward to giving the opportunity for lovers of beer and cider to sample the range on offer from Dorset and the surrounding counties; it’s amazing the quality of breweries within the Wessex region”.

The festival originally took place at Brewers Quay in a marquee, before being moved into the old Devenish brewery premises – and then in 2011 the festival re-located to Weymouth Pavilion where it remains as Weymouth’s 'premier cask ale and cider festival', according to organisers.

Highlights to look out for will be Palmers of Bridport’s 230th Anniversary Ale, Small Paul’s, Rich’s X75 a strong Barley Wine last brewed in 2012 exclusively for this festival.

The West Dorset Cider representative Alex Bardswell has selected the cider range.

She said: “Ciders, and perry, being showcased at Octoberfest are all made direct from the apples, and pears, off the trees, none from concentrate, which is used by most large cider makers.

“Our Wessex region cider makers also use fresh juice, flowers, fruit, roots (ginger) , and chillies as flavourings, to get distinctive taste without  adding large amounts of sugar.

“Visitors can expect to sample Dorset Nectar Elderflower, Noddy’s Dorset Ginger, Twisted Stormy Lemonade all three from Dorset producers that have proven very popular in the past. Mr Whitehead Toffee Apple Sweet from Hampshire alongside Taste of the West Gold award winner Harry’s Somerset Scrummage.”

Tickets start from £12 and can be purchased here: Camrawdorset.org.uk/shop/tickets/Weymouth-octoberfest-tickets/ or here: Weymouthpavilion.com/shows/Weymouth-octoberfest/.

Customers will receive a souvenir glass, programme listing beers and ciders with tasting notes and a free pint.