DORCHESTER Beerex organisers are celebrating record sales of tickets.

The popular annual festival organised by the Dorchester Round Table and West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) take place on Friday February 1 and Saturday February 2.

After tickets went on sale the Friday evening session was sold out in a record two days.

This success was closely followed by the sell out of both of the Saturday sessions, leaving Friday lunchtime with the only tickets available.

CAMRA bar manager Rich Gabe said: “Friday lunch is the perfect time to visit the festival, plenty of seats, no music and above all the full selection of over 80 cask ales and ciders to sample for the discerning drinker.” Beerex was first created back in 1988 as a way of raising funds as well as creating a fun event.

The events success comes as they mark 25 years of the festival, and it is hoped that the 2013 event will see charitable donations breakthrough the £100,000 barrier of donations to date.

The 2013 event at the Dorchester Corn Exchange boasts a wide selection of ales, many of which are local. These include casks of the locally brewed award winning Palmers Tally HO!, a selection of ales from the main sponsor Dorset Piddle and two specials from Gillingham’s Small Paul’s micro brewery.

There will also be a dozen ciders and perries chosen from far and wide to ensure there will be a drink on offer to suit any taste.

The full beer list, which is subject to availability, can be viewed online at www.camrawdorset. org.uk

AND THIS IS WHERE TO GET YOURS

Tickets are available from the Dorchester Tourist Information Centre, the Blue Raddle pub in Dorchester and The Boot pub in Weymouth or alternatively from the CAMRA website.

The cost of the lunchtime event will be £4 and includes a souvenir glass, programme and a free half pint with doors opening from 11 am until 3.