ALE lovers are being urged to get their tickets for Dorchester Beerex 2013 early when they go on sale today, January 1.

The popular beer festival, which is in its 25th year, is being held at the Corn Exchange on Friday February 1 and Saturday February 2.

Tickets are available from the Dorchester Tourist Information Centre in Antelope Walk, the Blue Raddle Pub in Dorchester and The Boot pub in Weymouth.

They are also available online at www.camrawdorset.org.uk.

Tickets for the lunchtime sessions, which run from 11am to 3.30pm, cost £4 for the Friday and £5 for the Saturday and include a glass, a programme and one free half pint. The evening sessions run from 6pm to 11.30pm and feature live music with tickets priced at £10 including a glass, programme and four free half pints.

Over 80 real ales and ciders will be available at the event.

A spokesman for the Beerex organisation committee advised people to get their tickets early to avoid missing out.

He said: “Tickets always sell out and we have to turn people away from the doors as we do not sell on the night.”

This year’s Beerex event is being sponsored by the Dorset Piddle Brewery and the local charity MV Freedom will be the main beneficiary.