THERE'S less than two weeks to go before the annual Dorchester Beerex makes a return - and people are urged to get their tickets for the popular real ale and cider showcase.

Hosted by West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and charity partner Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club, the event which attracts customers from near and far will be held at the Corn Exchange on Friday, February 4 and Saturday, February 5.

Friday evening sees the return of popular local musician Jack Daniels while Saturday night Dorset band Fluke will be playing a variety of covers to suit the crowd.

2022 Beerex chairman Ellis Ford said the return of Dorchester Beerex after a two year gap will particularly help local brewers who have been hit hard due to the pandemic in showcasing their ales.

He added: "My favourite weekend of the year is getting close and like every other year I am looking forward to sampling ales I haven't had before and enjoying old favourites, and at the same time raising thousands for charity. I am particularly looking forward to the collaboration brew between the Cerne Abbas and Copper Street breweries and Sarah Hughes dark Ruby mild from the Black Country."

The festival hopes to showcase 80 real ales such as the topically named 'Don’t Stop the Party' from 3D Beer, Padstow Pilot Porter from Cornwall, Dorchester’s Copper St, 33 IPA and a strong 7.3% Yeovil Pale Ale. New local breweries will also be represented. There will be session beers like Hampshire brewery Little London’s Hoppy Hilda and from Warwickshire Fosse Way Aurora. The full range from sponsors Palmers will also be available.

Ciders to look out for include Sea Cider White Peach from Sussex and Snail Bank Yuzu Marmalade from Herefordshire, plus nearer to home Lulworth Skipper Elderflower and Hunny Bubble and Foxy Cider from Dorset Nectar.

This year’s main charity is the Dorchester Youth & Community Centre.

The festival started in 1988 and in that time has raised more than £200.000.

If you are a local company and would like to help support the event call Dave on 07977 918130.

Tickets are available for all sessions from the Convivial Rabbit and Copper St Brewery, Dorchester along with the Brace of Butchers Poundbury. You can also gran them from the Belvedere Inn Weymouth and via www.camrawdorset.org.uk

Tickets are to be sold in advance only and cost £10 per head which includes commemorative glass, two halves of beer and a colour programme.