A staggering £17,455 was raised at the 31st Dorchester Beerex.

The event was held in the Corn Exchange and was organised by West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and new charity partners Casterbridge Rotary club and sponsored by Palmers Brewery of Bridport. All in all organisers are delighted and proud to announce that profits exceeded post festival predictions and the grand total to be divided up was a staggering £17,455.44, of which the primary festival charity Fortuneswell Cancer Care Trust will receive a cheque for £6K.

Paul Ryan, Fortuneswell Cancer Care Trust, chairman said: “A generous donation such as this allows the Fortuneswell to continue to support Dorset County Hospital in the advancement of top quality cancer care. Money donated will be used for specialist nurse training, cancer research projects and patient support.”

Amongst the other good causes to receive funds were the Dorset ME support group with a £500 donation. Speaking on their behalf, Liz Blackadder, said: “We are really grateful, the amount of money will help in support work for this terrible disease.”

Other local organisations to benefit were the Dorchester Town Mayor’s charities and Dorchester Arts Centre who are using funds to assist in the cost of dance classes for people with Parkinson’s disease. The dance classes help with patients’ posture and composure.

Over the weekend a raffle was held with all prizes donated by local breweries and businesses. From the proceeds £1,897 was donated to the Dorchester Community Youth centre on Fordington Cross.

Dave Harris, who was the chairman for the 2019 Beerex committee, said: “It’s been a great honour to be chairman this year and I’m delighted that we have raised a record amount of money for such good causes.”

He added: “We’ve been able to support some fantastic local groups and charities and know that they will spend the money in a way that benefits the whole community.All of the Beerex committee are looking forward to the 32nd Dorchester Beerex in 2020.” Organisers of the festival would like to extend their thanks to all of the barrel sponsors, raffle prize donators, local breweries and media outlets for their continued support that assist in making it possible to raise these kind of funds. The committee would also like to thank all of the customers from near and far who make the festival’s atmosphere and ambiance perfect.