THE county is gearing up for a celebration of beer.

Various Oktoberfest events will be held around the country in coming weeks.

Weymouth Pavilion will be the place to life your stein and shout Prost! on Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5.

Drinkers will be able to sample more than 50 beers and more than 15 ciders.

Four sessions will take place over the two days; the first from 11am to 4pm and the second from 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 for the event and include a pint of ale or cider.

Tickets can be bought online from camrawdorset.org.uk or by phone on 01305 788939. Or they can be bought from the following places: Weymouth: Weymouth Pavilion or its box office on 01305 783225, The Boot, Doghouse, The Globe, Chalbury Food & Wine and the Wyke Smugglers in Wyke Regis. In Dorchester they can be bought from The Blue Raddle and The Convivial Rabbit. On Portland they can be bought from The George and The Royal Portland Arms.

*In Dorchester, the Brewhouse and Kitchen at Brewery Square invites all to celebrate Oktoberfest from September 21 to October 6.

To commemorate the celebration, the site is launching a few special dishes on the menu including a brand new Oktoberfest Burger with pulled pork, curry sauce, sauerkraut & French’s mustard served in a pretzel baked bun.

For beer lovers, each of the on-site brewers is also creating a special Bier to celebrate all things Bavarian including a slightly stronger lager brewed with Munich & Vienna malts. This limited-run beer will also be available as a 2-pint stein too to really get into the Oktober spirit.

Gail Bunn, marketing manager at Brewhouse and Kitchen, said: "We are really excited to be launching our new menu items and limited Bier this Oktoberfest. It is a real treat to be able to experience different food and beer, and we have specially designed the new menu to bring the taste of Bavaria to Dorchester. We invite everyone from the community to get into the Oktoberfest spirit especially if they are in lederhosen!"

*In Evershot Village Hall on Saturday, October 26, Evershot's Oktoberfest begins at 7pm. Music will be provided by the Sherbavarian Stompers, who are part of Sherborne Town Band. There will also be suitably authentic beer and food. It costs £10 a ticket on the door which includes food. People should bring their own utensils. Kids go free.