by Rich Gabe, Press Officer, West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale.
Weymouth Octoberfest returns to Weymouth Pavilion on Friday October 16th & Saturday the 17th over 4 sessions. The event is organised by the members of West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). Over 65 different cask ales and traditional ciders will be available with Dorchester brewery; Copper St being our guest brewery sponsor.
One of the main highlights this year will be the “Big Octoberfest Pub Quiz” on Friday evening. This will be hosted by Bruce Mead, West Dorset CAMRA Chairman and will be an opportunity for customers to take part in a charity quiz based on beer, pubs and general knowledge. Quiz entry will be £2 per person with a prize to be won and money donated to People First Dorset, a charity which actively gets individuals with specific needs to engage and be accepted into society.
Speaking about the charity and quiz Bruce said “We are hoping this could be potentially the biggest pub style quiz ever in Weymouth with around 300 participants. We chose People First Dorset as they were so engaging and friendly at Dorchester Beerex. If you have not got your Friday night ticket get one now to avoid missing out.”
Entertainment on the Saturday evening session will come from local jazz collective Dr Jazz, who regularly perform a range of cool and chilled jazz combo’s to upbeat tunes, guaranteed to get you foot tapping!
Weymouth Pavilion Ocean room has seating for over 300 people and will be providing hot snacks across the weekend with their bar open for other drinks.
Weymouth Octoberfest committee chairman Adrian Carey said “I am really looking forward to this year’s event, it is one of the highlights of my CAMRA year, always good to see familiar faces but always welcoming to new people that have never experienced a beer festival. It’s all about having a good time, relaxing at the end of the week and hopefully trying some ales or ciders you have never tried before alongside banter and band.”
Bar Manager Rich Gabe said “With it being West Dorset CAMRA’s 50th golden year it was only right we return to the origins of Weymouth Octoberfest and feature breweries and cider makers from the South West like we did in 2005. I plan to bring a mix of Cornish, Devonian & Dorset breweries to customers this year and next year Bristol, Dorset, Somerset & Wiltshire. Its vital we give support to local brewers and cider producers.”
Tickets are on sale now, priced at £12.50 per session. Non-CAMRA member tickets include a souvenir glass, programme and £5 worth of tokens. CAMRA member tickets include a souvenir glass, programme and £10 worth of tokens.
On Saturday evening, non-CAMRA members get £7.50 worth of tokens included with their ticket, and CAMRA member tickets get £12.50 worth of tokens included.
CAMRA members will need to present a current membership card on entry to the festival.
Furthermore, anyone producing a student ID card will be able to claim an extra £5 worth of tokens from the CAMRA stand at the festival, and on the Saturday evening session anyone with a Blue Light Card can also claim an extra £5 of tokens.
With such an exciting range of beer and cider on offer, customers are urged to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment from the following outlets:
On line: Weymouthpavilion.com or by phoning 01305 783225. Tickets bought from the Pavilion are £15.50 each.
Alternatively, you can buy tickets in person in Weymouth from the Dolphin & the Globe pubs, or direct from the Pavilion box office. (With a booking fee).
On Portland, The Royal Portland Arms and in Dorchester, Copper Street Brewery Tap and The Convivial Rabbit are also stocking our tickets.
