Organisers, West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and charity partners Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club are delighted to announce that the 37th Dorchester Beerex held in Dorchester’s Corn Exchange will take place on Friday and Saturday, February 6th & 7th respectively.
Cerne Abbas brewery will be continuing their support for the event by being the main festival sponsor and will have a selection of their beers including some one off specials alongside the total of 84 cask ales from around the U.K with a large selection of traditional ciders and Perry’s.
The festival has always raised money for good local causes and the 2026 festival’s main charity beneficiary will be “People First Dorset”. People First Dorset aims to assist people with learning disabilities through friendship clubs, helping to connect with local communities via skill sets such as communication skills and reducing social isolation and to promote independence and well being.
To date the festival has raised just over £300K for good local causes; this is all possible through the generosity of local companies and breweries through barrel sponsorship and raffle prize donations. Money from the raffle will once again go to the Dorchester Youth and Community Centre in Kings Rd, Dorchester which gives valuable motivation to the youth of Dorchester and vulnerable people.
Looking forward to the event West Dorset CAMRA & 2026 Beerex committee Chairman Bruce Mead said” Planning for the 2026 Beerex is in full swing, and with the event coinciding with the 50th anniversary of West Dorset CAMRA we are hoping to have some very special celebration beers on offer. Watch this space!”
Customers can expect music in the evenings with a party atmosphere on the Saturday evening and beer , banter and chatter on the lunchtime sessions. The festival attracts a wide variety of customers of all ages and back grounds, with many visiting the town from afar. Upstairs there is seating for over 100 customers.
Tickets will go on sale December 1st, priced £12 and include commemorative glass, colour programme listing all beers and ciders with tasting notes and two free half pint drink tokens.
CAMRA members will receive an extra free pint.
Confirmed ticket outlets are:
- Dorchester. Convivial Rabbit & Tom Browns.
- Poundbury. Brace of Butchers
- Weymouth. The Globe.
- Online via www.beerex.co.uk
