It’s time to raise a glass because Dorchester’s biggest beer festival is underway. 

Dorchester Beerex is back for its 30th year and is being held at the Corn Exchange.

The venue opened its doors today to thirsty customers hoping for a taste of real ale.

In order to purchase a beer, customers will have to buy beer tokens priced at £1.70 per half pint. The tokens can then be exchanged for beer at the bar. 

The event is organised by West Dorset Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) and Dorchester Round Table and offers 85 real ales and 15 ciders and perries.

Dorchester Beerex is sponsored by Palmers Brewery, which is based in Bridport, and all barrels are sponsored by local companies and organisations.

Over its 30 years of operation, the event has raised more than £155,000 which has been raised for local good causes.

This year’s beer festival is being held in aid of Dorchester Social Stroke Club, a club for people who have suffered a stroke or other neurological disorder in and around Dorchester and Weymouth. The club organises activities that aim to restore a member’s confidence which may have been shattered by their illness.

There will also be a raffle for charity Children's Wish, tickets costs £1 per strip.

The event will be held until 3.30pm this afternoon then will reopen from 6pm until 11.30pm this evening.

The beer festival will continue tomorrow from 11am until 3.30pm and will reopen from 6pm until 11.30pm. Customers will be treated to live music from local band Black Water County in the evening.

Saturday night is sold out, however, tickets may still be available on the door for the other sessions.