The best of Dorset's beer is on display and ready to pour as Octoberfest makes its return after two years.
The first day of Weymouth Octoberfest was welcomed by a packed hall full of passionate punters at Weymouth Pavilion Ocean Room yesterday.
The ale and cider showcase continues today and is totally sold out.
West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), which organise the event, say are keen to support local breweries this year and are featuring a beer from almost every brewer in Dorset with a total of more than 60 real cask ales.
READ MORE: Black Dog pub in Weymouth to reopen today after repair works
Co-organiser and bar manager Rich Gabe, who has sampled every beer on the menu, said: "I wanted to make sure they were all good, and I can say there's not one bad beer among them."
Mr Gabe says they were keen to show support for local breweries post-pandemic, especially with the energy crisis and the price of malt increasing because of the war in Ukraine.
Speaking at the lunchtime session yesterday Mr Gabe said: "So far it's been going well, it’s good to see people back in such a great relaxed atmosphere, what more can people ask for than good conversation and beers?"
Co-organiser Dave Harris said: "It's good to be back, I have never seen this hall fill up this fast on opening, people are glad to be back and to be supporting their local brewers.
"We have 24 different Dorset brewers represented here today, it’s a new situation for us to be all local. It’s an amazing, vibrant situation.
"Everything this year has fallen into line, we have more beer and even contingencies so we don't run out like in 2019."
Attendee William Hickton, 23, from Portland visited with friends. He said that as a chef he is always looking for good beers to recommend with his meals.
He said: "I was attracted by the appeal of local beer; you should always be interested in local things.
"There is a good atmosphere here, some people have even booked days off work to come and share their passion and support local beer.
"I tried 'Take me to Valhalla' by Way Out Back brewery for the first time and honestly it is one of the best beers I have ever had."
READ MORE: Market House in Bridport to close
Anita Neale, 69, visited with her husband Shaun, 74, for the first time.
She said: "We are really enjoying it, there is so much choices for drinks and fantastic company.
"It's nice to have something different that has been made locally, it has been fun."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here