THE TAPS are ready to flow as ale lovers pack out Dorchester's Corn Exchange for the 29th annual Beerex.

The popular event is being held this Friday and Saturday, with a range of 87 real ales and 16 varieties of cider and perry on offer.

The festival is sponsored by Palmers Brewery in Bridport and organised by committee members of West Dorset CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and Dorchester Round Table.

The fun starts with the Friday lunchtime session, with tickets also available for the Friday evening and Saturday sessions before the sold-out Saturday evening slot.

Beerex committee member Rich Gabe said: "This year we have increased the number of beers on sale and increased the number of tickets on sale to cope with the demand of this popular event in particular the Friday evening and Saturday lunch sessions.

"We have more seating available than previous years by using the upstairs town hall facilities and we look forward to meeting customers from near and far."

Beers ordered include highlights such as Palmers TallyHo! - the national award winning ruby ale.

Small Pauls brewery from Gillingham, north Dorset will be showcasing a one-off brew called Dave’s Arabica Sout,named after the new bar manager.

Other Dorset breweries showcasing their finest tipples will include the new Brew Shack brewery from Wimborne, a welcome return from Sixpenny from Cranborne and the ever popular Cerne Abbas with their award winning Gurt Coconut Rum Stout.

Subject to last minute changes, ales on offer from national breweries include Howler from Blue Monkey in Nottinghamshire, Old Git from Greenmill in Cheshire, Stouty Mc Stout Face from Mad Dog in Wales and Rabbies Porter from Ayr in Scotland.

For cider and perry drinkers amongst those featured will be Dorset Nectar's Hunny Bubble, Pig Ginger by Snails Bank in Herefordshire and Piglets Perry from Nemptnett in Somerset

The main benefactor from monies raised at the 2017 event will be local charity Mosaic, which specialises in bereavement support for children, young people and their families. It also works with young people facing the death of a family member.

A good selection of snacks and hot food will be available at all sessions, with local group Ellipse doing the catering.

Tickets cost £10 and include entry, a commemorative glass and three halves of beer or cider.

They are available from the Brace of Butchers in Poundbury, Goldie's pub in Dorchester, The Boot in Weymouth or online at camrawdorset.org.uk

For more information visit beerex.co.uk