Tickets for the 35th Dorchester Beerex, taking place on 2nd and 3rd February in the town’s Corn Exchange, have gone on sale today.
The annual event is now firmly fixed in the calendar and is one of Dorchester’s biggest fundraising events. It is organised by volunteers of West Dorset branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club.
Last year’s festival raised in excess of £23,000, and this year organisers look to equal or better that. The primary sponsor will be Cerne Abbas Brewery, whose representatives will be on hand over the weekend for a chat and to give the samples of their award winning beers.
The festival will be showcasing around 80 cask ales from breweries near and far, with a selection of 20 traditional ciders and perries.
“I have been involved with Beerex for three years now and have learnt from some very experienced beer festival organisers on how to run the event,” said festival chairman Adrian Carey.
“We have a great group of volunteers who help put this festival on, from the committee members who do all the backstage organising to the guys and girls who turn up on the day to set the festival up and serve beer to customers over the time of the event.
“Hopefully, this year will raise enough money to be able to say that after 35 years we have raised over £250k for different local charities — an amazing boast for a group of beer lovers.
“Thanks to all the local businesses that have sponsored the events over the years, and thanks again to Vic and Jodie at
Cerne Abbas Brewery for being the main sponsor again this year.”
The festival’s primary charity will Amelia’s Rainbow. Named after a Dorset girl, Amelia-Grace Cooper, who sadly lost her life to cancer, the charity supports children in Dorset and the surrounding area suffering from terminal, life-limiting, serious and chronic illnessnesses. The charity raises funds for family days out, social activities, such as swimming or dancing, or any other request which benefits children through fun, learning, achievement, and play.
Charity manager, Farah Batchelor, said: “We are over the moon to be chosen as a recipient charity. We support so many families in Dorchester, but we are still relatively unknown, so we really appreciate this opportunity.
The Dorchester Beerex organising committee, with chairman Adrian Carey second right. Photograph: Rich Gabe
“Amelia’s Rainbow supports over 170 Dorset children who have serious illnesses or disabilities. Any donation this weekend will help fund our two holiday homes that grant 80 free holidays a year. We also provide events, experiences, and gifts to enhance children’s play and learning. We’re small but mighty, so your support is really appreciated by all at our charity.”
The festival relies on goodwill from local businesses and individuals through barrel sponsorship. If you would like to help, contact barrel sponsorship co-ordinator Dave Harris on 07977 918130 or via the festival website.
Tickets, also available via the website, are priced at £11, which includes a free pint, souvenir glass, and programme. They are also available from: The Convivial Rabbit, Tom Browns, and Copper Street Brewery Tap, in Dorchester; The Brace of Butchers, in Poundbury; and The Globe Inn, Weymouth.