It is with extreme sadness that organisers of the 33rd Dorchester Beerex; West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary must announce the cancelation of the 2021 event due to the current Covid 19 pandemic.
The Beerex committee discussed the possibility and avenues of an event later next year but felt with things being what they are now in the current climate it would be better to come back in 2022. To be in line with government guidance CAMRA nationally are not permitting any beer festivals or social gatherings.
The committee would like to thank all of their customers and barrel sponsors who help make the event so special, along with current festival main sponsors Palmers brewery of Bridport.
Beerex committee spokesman Rich Gabe told KeeP 106: “At a recent zoom meeting we were unanimous in our decision and all thought it would be irresponsible and lack duty of care to our customers and volunteer staff to potentially put them in danger by helping to spread such a deadly virus with little social distancing. We did not take this action lightly as we realise that local good cause’s and charities will be feeling the strain of the pandemic, rest assured we aim to be back in the Corn Exchange early February 2022”.
He went on to say: “As a fund raising event we look to local business’s for support and goodwill, we realise many of our supporters will be struggling to maintain their business and we wish them well and hope to see them involved in Beerex 2022”.
On a positive note since the first Beerex over £200,000, has been raised for local good causes with the 2020 festival raising around £20,000 a record that reflects the events popularity. In past years they have helped finance a new kitchen for Dorchester Scouts and donated to such charities like Headway, Dorchester Stroke society, Dorchester Alzheimer’s society and the M.V Freedom.
Larger well known charities such as Dorset& Somerset Air Ambulance have received funds and the Weymouth R.N.L.I crew received new life jackets. They have also made donations to the Dorchester Arts centre, Dorchester Skateboard Park and Gully’s place a special place in Dorchester hospital for terminally ill children. Most recent was the Dorset Mind charity that helps with recovery and education of mental health.
The Beerex committee would like to raise a glass and wish all of their supporter’s good health and they look forward to seeing you all safe in 2022.
[Image]
