Organisers of Dorchester Wine Festival raised a glass to announce the chosen charities and sponsors of this year's event.

The Dorchester Corkers committee say the festival is now so popular that as one event finishes, the requests are flying in for the next.

Now in it's 19th year, it will be held on October 12 at the Corn Exchange, which the seven Dorchester Corkers ladies will decorate with the help of a team of volunteers.

Over the years the wine festival has raised in excess of £59,000 for local charities - and with the support of volunteers, organisers say they are hoping to match last year's total of £5,000.

The chosen charities for 2019 are the Parkinson's Dance Classes hosted by Dorchester Arts, and the Dorchester Youth and Community Centre.

Funds will also be donated to a project helping to create garden spaces for people affected by mental health conditions and loneliness, run by the GAP project and Meyers Estates with Dorset Mind.

Previously the committee behind the festival has been known as 'Ellipse', and half of the Corkers members are from the Ellipse group.

Representatives from the charities attended the launch along with the main sponsor, Sarah Grant Solicitors, as well as the individual sponsors including S&R Downton, The Drawing Office, The Watercress Company, SGM Hair and Grassby Funeral Services. Dorchester Round Table is also backing the event.

The wine festival is already a sell out organisers say they are looking forward to joining forces with a new band of volunteers.

Jules Ford, one of the organisers, said: "We’re looking forward to new challenges this year, thanks to the assistance of new and old volunteers.

"The theme this year is Legends and Divas - a great opportunity for our guests to dress up once again. The wine festival is one of the few places where formal dinner jackets and bow ties merge merrily with fancy dress and casual wear".

Ever-popular compère Elaine Grassby will be leading a programme of music, singing and dancing during the evening - accompanied by a selection of wines that are delivered to guests by the team of volunteer waitresses.

Gully’s Place volunteers will help with the clear-up operation afterwards, and the festival is making a donation to its palliative care centre for terminally ill children.

For more information, the Wine Festival Corkers can be found on their Facebook page.

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