TICKETS for a popular fundraising beer festival that has raised more than £200,000 for good causes over the past three decades will go on sale this week.

Organisers of the Dorchester Beerex were devastated at being forced to call time on the popular event this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But they have announced that preparations are now under way for next year's event, which will take place on Friday, February 4 and Saturday, February 5 - and tickets will be on sale from Wednesday, December 1.

Tickets will be available from The Convivial Rabbit and Copper St Brewery; Dorchester along with the Brace of Butchers Poundbury; The Belvedere Inn, in Weymouth and online via www.camrawdorset.org.uk

Tickets are to be sold in advance only and cost £10 per head which includes commemorative glass, 2 halves of beer and a colour programme which list the full selection of up to 80 beers and around 21 ciders with full tasting notes plus more.

Due to the present conditions with Covid 19 and any other possible winter outbreak customers will be asked to leave contact details on purchase of ticket so organisers can trace customers in the event of an incident.

Just 250 tickets per session will be issued initially and organisers will be monitoring closely the growing winter climate along with government advice. If all goes to plan a second batch of tickets will be available early in January 2022.

The 33rd Dorchester Beerex - organised by West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and charity partner Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary club - will be held in the Corn Exchange.

The event which attracts beer connoisseurs from near and far will include entertainment for guests as well as its popular raffle.

The two-day event is a major celebration of real ale and cider which attracts thousands from all over the country.

Since the event started in 1988 the festival has raised in excess of £200,000 for good local causes.

Dorchester Beerex committee chairman Ellis Ford said “After what has seemed like an eternity Dorchester Beerex is back for its 33rd festival.

"It has been an honour for me to be chairman of the event and working with a great team who work hard year in year out to make the event happen” He went on to say “With Covid still with us safety is our main priority, and we are working to enable customers have a safe, fun experience while at the same time helping us raise thousands for local charities."

The festival's main principal charity will be the Dorchester Youth & Community Centre (DYCC), which is based in Kings Road, Dorchester.

Kate Parkham the Youth Work Manager from DYCC said: “We are delighted that Dorchester Beerex have made us the main charity for 2022. The funds raised will make a huge difference, helping us to provide young people a safe space to socialise along with a range of activities and support. Thank you to everyone at Dorchester Beerex”.

Palmer’s brewery of Bridport has once signed up as the main festival sponsor and past barrel sponsors will be approached in the near future for their continued generous support for the event.

Palmers Sales & Marketing Director Cleeves Palmer said “Palmer’s brewery are delighted to sponsor Dorchester Beerex again in 2022. We thoroughly enjoyed being the main sponsor for much of the last decade but sadly this year will be the last year that we are the primary sponsor, it is important that the one brewer does not hog the limelight for too long!” He went on to say “After the Covid interruption in all our lives it is great news that plans are well advanced for the 2022 festival; I hope you all enjoy Beerex at the same time as supporting very worthy local charities. My kindest regards to you all”.

The festival relies on strong support via barrel sponsorship and raffle donations, if you are a local company and would like to help support the event, please call Dave on 07977 918130.

Beerex spokes person Rich Gabe said “We are really looking forward to providing our customers with a great selection of beers and ciders. "We missed the event in 2021 due to Covid and we look forward to welcoming regular and new customers to Beerex, promoting the U.K brewing scene while also raising funds for worthwhile causes."

Organisers said it was with 'great sadness' that they had been forced to cancel this year's extravaganza amid the Covid pandemic.

The the time of the announcement, CAMRA nationally was not permitting any beer festivals or social gatherings.

Over the years, proceeds from the festival have helped a variety of good causes.

This includes financing a new kitchen for Dorchester Scouts and supporting charities like Headway, Dorchester Stroke Society, Dorchester Alzheimer's Society and the M.V Freedom.

Larger well known charities such as Dorset& Somerset Air Ambulance have received funds and the Weymouth RNLI crew received new lifejackets.