In happier times real ale and cider drinkers would have been looking forward to visiting this year’s Dorchester Beerex in Dorchester’s Corn Exchange, organised by West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club on the first full weekend of February.

Sadly in the current climate this is not possible to do. However we would like to take you back to previous Beerexs and share some fond memories with you, starting right back at the beginning in 1988 - our first year.

The principle core values of the festival from day one have been raising money for good local causes, promoting the UK’s best brewers and cider makers and ensuring all who attend have a great time and return year after year.

The event so far has raised a staggering £208k for good causes since 1988. This is all down to the tremendous support and good will we receive from local businesses be it barrel sponsorship, raffle donations, free beer from breweries and of course all the volunteers who give up valuable time to assist in the running of the event. The main people we would like to thank are our loyal customer base many who return year after year.

So please take a minute with me tomorrow, Friday February 5 at 8pm to raise your glass and toast the future of Dorchester Beerex and good things to come.