It's less than two weeks until Dorchester's popular beer festival returns to town.

West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and charity partner Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club is bringing Dorchester Beerex back to the Corn Exchange on Friday, February 4 and Saturday, February 5.

There will be live music on both evening sessions. Local musician Jack Daniels will entertain crowds on the Friday and on Saturday, Dorset band Fluke will play a variety of covers.

Tickets are still available from the Convivial Rabbit and Copper St Brewery, along with Brace of Butchers and online at camrawdorset.org.uk. They cost £10 and include a commemorative glass, two halves of beer and a programme with the list of up to 80 beers and around 21 ciders and tasting notes.

Customers will be asked to leave contact details on purchase of ticket in able to trace customers in the event of a coronavirus incident.

The festival is in its final 7th year sponsorship with Palmers Brewery in Bridport. The Beerex committee would like to send out its sincerest wishes and goodwill for the last seven festivals to all at Palmers Brewery.

This year's principle charity is Dorchester Youth & Community Centre, which is invaluable to the continued support, aid and focus of young people. There are a number of youth club nights which spans age groups from 10-18 years old, support groups for young adults up to the age of 25 not in education or employment (NEET) and an outreach programme where youth leaders take to the streets to engage with the youth. The centre relies heavily on volunteers.

Ellis Ford, this year's Beerex chairman, said: "My favourite weekend every 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 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 to customers near and far."

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 Dorset breweries Barefaced, Gritchie and Apex which sits on the Dorset/Somerset border 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 of sponsor Palmers will also be available.

Ciders to look out for include Sea Cider White Peach from Sussex and Snail Bank Yuzu Marmalade from Herefordshire, while amongst others from Dorset Lulworth Skipper Elderflower and Hunny Bubble and Foxy Cider from Dorset Nectar along with a selection of Perries including Gwatkin Squeal Pig.

The festival started in 1988 and has always raised money for local good causes and to the present date this is in excess of £208K. 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 07977 918130 to speak to Dave the barrel sponsorship co-ordinator.

To keep up to date, follow Dorchester Beerex on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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