Preparations underway for Dorchester Beerex 2024
The hugely popular event is due to return next February
Preparations are well underway for one of Dorchester's biggest events, ahead of its return in 2024.
The 35th Beerex is planned for the Corn Exchange on February 2nd and 3rd 2024.
It's organised by volunteers of West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club.
Last year’s festival raised in excess of £23,000, with over £250,000 raised across all the events.
The festival will be showcasing around 80 cask ales from breweries near and far with a selection of 20 traditional ciders and perries.
Beerex committee Chairman Adrian Carey said:
”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. We have a great group of volunteers who help put this festival on, from the committee members who do all the back stage 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."
2024 charity chosen
This year’s primary charity for the Beerex will be Amelia’s Rainbow - named after Dorset girl Amelia-Grace Cooper, who sadly lost her life to cancer.
Amelia’s Rainbow supports children in Dorset and the surrounding area suffering from any terminal, life-limiting, serious and chronic illness, offering family days out, social activities such as swimming or dancing, or any other request which benefits the child 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.
"Amelia's Rainbow supports over 170 Dorset children who have serious illnesses or disabilities. Any donation this weekend will help fund our 2 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."
Tickets for the Dorchester Beerex 2024 are already on sale, priced at £11 per session, which includes a pint, souvenir glass and programme with tasting notes.
They're available online through the West Dorset CAMRA website, or from The Convivial Rabbit, Tom Browns or Copper St Brewery Tap in Dorchester; The Brace of Butchers in Poundbury or the Globe Inn in Weymouth.