Tickets will go on sale soon for 2027’s Dorchester Beerex, which will be staged at the town’s refurbished Corn Exchange on 5th and 6th February.


Katie Slade Beerex Rich Gabe
Dorchester Beerex committee chair Katie Slade. Photograph: Rich Gabe

The festival, now in its 38th year, is organised and run by a committee made of members of West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club.

The main sponsor will be Cerne Abbas Brewery, fresh from winning beer of the festival at the recent Weymouth Octoberfest with Gurt Coconut’s Rum Stout.

“It’s a privilege to support West Dorset CAMRA and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club year after year as they raise vital funds for brilliant local causes,” said the brewery’s Mark Richardson. “We can’t wait to see you all in the Corn Exchange.”

As always, Dorchester Beerex will be making donations to local causes, as it has done since 1988. This year’s named charity is #Willdoes named in honour of 14-year-old William Paddy, a sporty, charismatic child who enjoyed outdoor activities such as horse riding, snowboarding, rugby, and tennis. The charity’s aim is to promote and assist young people in Dorset, introducing them to sports and other activities, rather than seeing them retreat to more insular pastimes. It also helps them to develop coping mechanisms to manage anxiety, emotions, self-awareness, trust, and relationships.

“Meetings and plans for the 2027 Dorchester Beerex are in full swing, and we can’t wait to welcome you all to this fantastic event,” said festival committee chair Rotarian Katie Slade.

“This is our 38th year and we are looking forward to offering you a selection of beers and ciders to raise much-needed funds for local charities. I’m absolutely delighted and proud to be this year’s Beerex chair, working with the best team.”