Weymouth: Organisers toast to successful year of Octoberfest

Doors to the Weymouth Octoberfest opened yesterday at Weymouth Pavilion. 

Organised by West Dorset's Campaign for Real Ale, the event is split into four different sessions (day and evening) and the theme is beer from King Alfred’s 871 A.D. Wessex region.

Weymouth Pavilion packed at Octoberfest (Image: Alfie Lumb) Visitors have a selection of more than 70 ales and ciders from across Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to choose from.

More than 900 people are expected to attend the event over the two days, with tickets still available for sessions today.

Rich Gabe, committee member of CAMRA, said: “We’re looking forward to another successful year.

“There’s lots of beers and ciders from near and afar, all different styles meaning there is something for everyone.

"We still have a surplus of tickets with the option to purchase a ticket on the door. We will be having boogie music from Patrick Clark on piano. There’s plenty of seating for everyone and it’s going to be a great night.”

Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Jon Orrell, opened the event. He joked: “Well, obviously it’s the toughest assignment of my entire mayoral year, but I am willing to suffer through it.

Rich Gabe, Cllr Jon Orrell, and event chair Adrian Carey opening the Weymouth Octoberfest (Image: Alfie Lumb) “I’m looking forward to the event being a great success and thriving, as it has been for many years."

Chair of the event, Adrian Carey said: “It’s taken two days and seven volunteers to get all this together, which includes getting all the beers up and setting the table up, and it’s great to have the mayor open the event.

“We know we will be welcoming more than 900 people at least over the weekend through tickets sold so far, and we hope that people enjoy themselves and have a good time."