A popular Dorset beer festival is set to make its return next year.

Organisers of the Dorchester Beerex, the West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club have announced dates for next year’s festival in the county town.

Festivities will take place on Friday, February 7, and Saturday, February 8. 

In 2024, the festival made a staggering £27,500 profit over the sessions, which exceeded all expectations from the organisers.

The 2025 festival will once again feature sponsorship from the local Cerne Abbas brewery who make a welcome return for the third year as primary sponsor. The festivals main charity will be Yeovil Free Wheelers (YFW) Somerset and Dorset Blood Bikes who deliver vital medical supplies via a volunteer based motorcycle courier team.

Now in its 36th year, the festival has so far raised funds in excess of £277K and the 2025 event is set to hit the £300K mark. 

Planning is taking place for next year’s festival, and will see for the first time a female chairwoman, Gemma Scott, who is a member of both Rotary and CAMRA.

She said: “Plans for the 2025 Dorchester Beerex are in full swing and we are looking forward to hopefully another fabulous event.  

“This year marks the 36th event, but the first to have a female chairman. I feel personally honoured to have the role this year and help fly the flag for both Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club and West Dorset CAMRA."

Set to showcase over 80 cask ales from across the UK, as well as a large selection of ciders, the festival will also see entertainment on both evening sessions, while conversation will rule the lunchtime sessions.

Tickets should be on sale from Sunday, December 1 and will cost £11 for each session. The price of the ticket includes a free pint, souvenir glass, and programme listing with beer and cider menu.

Tickets will be available to purchase from the Copper Street Brewery Tap, the Convivial Rabbit off Trinity Street, and Tom Browns pub on High East Street, alongside the Brace of Butchers in Poundbury. Tickets will also be available from the Globe Pub in Weymouth.