A major Dorset beer festival has been forced to change dates after a booking mix-up.

The annual Dorchester Beerex, which takes place at the Corn Exchange and attracts thousands of enthusiasts from across the region, will now be held on Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1, 2025 - a week earlier than previously advertised.

Dates had to be changed following a double booking of the town centre venue.

When trying to find an alternative date organisers said they preferred to hold the festival at the end of January - a weekend which was available to them - rather than later in the year.

A spokesperson for Dorchester Beerex said: “We were extremely reluctant to cancel or move the festival to a later date, as we have a very loyal customer base that continually supports us, and we would also be letting down local good causes."

The festival, which is run across four sessions over the two days, will showcase more than 80 real ales served directly from the cask, complemented by a large selection of traditional ciders.

This festival charity for 2025 is the YFW Blood Bikes, a group that voluntarily courier vital medical supplies.

There will also be live music during the evening sessions and a raffle at all four sessions with funds going directly to the Dorchester Youth and Community Centre.

The Beerex will be in its 36th year in 2025 and has so far raised funds more than £277,000 for charity, with organisers of the forthcoming event hoping to hit the £300,000 mark.

The 2024 festival raised a record breaking £27,500,

The 2025 festival will welcome for the third year running the award-winning Cerne Abbas Brewery which will have a selection of ales on offer.

Tickets are available from December 1, at £11 per session, and in that price customers will receive a commemorative glass, colour festival programme with the full beer and cider list with tasting notes and a free first pint.

Confirmed ticket outlets are:

Dorchester: Copper St Brewery Tap; Convivial Rabbit; Tom Browns pub; Brace of Butchers, Poundbury

Weymouth: The Globe pub.

On-line.  www.camrawdorset.org.uk

If you are a company who would like to be associated with the Dorchester Beerex, contact Dave Harris the sponsorship coordinator on 07977 918130 or via www.beerex.co.uk