‘Phenomenal’ response to the annual Dorchester Beerex festival

The popular county town event is being held at the Corn Exchange on Friday, February 7 and Saturday 8 and tickets for all four sessions are now gone.

The festival is organised by the West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) and Dorchester Round Table.

Camra bar manager Rich Gabe said: “This year the ticket sales response has been phenomenal, with tickets selling out in record time. It’s a shame there’s nowhere bigger to hold the festival in town.

“This clearly emphasises the popularity of real ale, cider and the event.”

The festival has raised thousands of pounds for local good causes over the years and this year the main beneficiary will be Dorset County Hospital charity Gully’s Place.

Beerex chairman Ellis Ford said: “I am overwhelmed by the response of local companies and the amount of breweries that give us barrel sponsorship – every barrel is sponsored.

“Thank you very much. This will make a huge difference to the monies raised towards Gully’s Place our nominated charity.”

The lucky punters who have been able to get tickets will be able to enjoy a range of 85 ales including tipples from Dorset brewers Artbrew, Sixpenny, Small Pauls, Palmers and Bournemouth.

There will also be a large selection of ales from around the country including Dirty Stop Out Stout from Welsh brewer Tiny Rebel, Young Pretender from the Isle of Skye Brewery and Swedish Blonde from Maxim Brewery in County Durham.

Cider fans will also be able to enjoy a range of ciders and perrys, including those from Dorset cider makers Twisted Cider. Beerex is being sponsored for the fourth consecutive year by local brewery Piddle, which will also be present at the weekend with a selection of their beers.

There is still time to donate a raffle prize for the event, with all proceeds going to the Round Table Children’s Wish Appeal.

Anyone interested is asked to call Dave Harris on 07977 918130.