Tickets are now on sale for next year's Dorchester Beerex.

The popular event, which attracts beer connoisseurs from near and far, returns to Dorchester Corn Exchange on February 4 and 5 with lunchtime and evening sessions.

Tickets are available in advance only and cost £10, which includes a commemorative glass, two halves of beer and a colour programme which lists the full selection of up to 80 beers and around 21 ciders with full tasting notes.

Tickets are available from the Convivial Rabbit, Copper Street Brewery and Brace of Butchers, or online at camrawdorset.org.uk

Due to the present conditions with Covid-19, customers will be asked to leave contact details on purchase of ticket, this is to be able to trace customer in the event of an incident.

To start with, organisers are issuing 250 tickets per session and will be closely monitoring any rise in cases and government advice. If all goes to plan, a second batch of tickets will be available in early January.

Ellis Ford, this year's Dorchester Beerex committee chairman, 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 added: "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."

This year's festival main principal charity will be the Dorchester Youth & Community Centre (DYCC).

Kate Parkham, youth work manager for 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 provide young people a safe space to socialise along with a range of activities and support. Thank you to everyone at Dorchester Beerex."

The festival started in 1988 and has raised more than £200,000 for local good causes.

It has always had support from local breweries with this year's main festival sponsor being Palmers Brewery, which has been the principal sponsor for the last seven festivals.

Cleeves Palmer, sales and marketing director, said: "Palmers Brewery is 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 one brewer does not hog the limelight for too long."

He added: "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, call 07977 918130 to speak to Dave, the barrel sponsorship co-ordinator.

For more information, visit Beerex.co.uk or follow Dorchester Beerex on Facebook.

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