IT’S drinks all round as the bar gets stocked for an autumn beer festival.

The Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Octoberfest was one of the first bookings to be made at the new-look Weymouth Pavilion.

There had been fears the popular festival may have to be moved because of uncertainty surrounding the venue’s future but Weymouth and Portland Borough Council gave the green light to a community takeover of the Pavilion in June.

Tickets are now selling well for the festival and drinkers are urged to get theirs soon as sessions are known to sell out quickly.

More than 4,750 pints of ale will be on sale from 66 mainly South West breweries at the festival on Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5. There will also be a dozen ciders and perries.

“The Ocean Room was always our first choice venue, so we delayed booking an alternative venue in the hope that Phil Say and the new community interest company would receive an early green flag from the council,” said CAMRA spokesman Michel Hooper-Immins.

He added: “Members come long distances to enjoy Weymouth.

“Many will stay for the weekend and their wives shop in the town – a useful out-of-season economic boost.”

CAMRA West Dorset branch chairman Dave Harris said the Ocean Room was an ‘excellent venue’ that ‘has a lot of space and more seating’. The festival was held for eight years at Brewers Quay but its closure in early 2011 forced a move. Switching to the Ocean Room meant more people could be accommodated and last year 1,300 tickets were sold.

In total, 1,400 tickets are now on sale over four sessions, 11am to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm, on Friday and Saturday.

Tickets cost £5 for evening sessions, £4 for Saturday lunchtime and £3 for Friday lunchtime.

There is live music on Saturday evening. Buy tickets from The Boot and Globe pubs in Weymouth, the Royal Portland Arms and George Inn on Portland and the Blue Raddle in Dorchester. Also buy from Weymouth Pavilion on 01305 783225 or online at camrawdorset.org.uk/octoberfest.htm