Beer enthusiasts will be able to drink their fill as the world’s biggest beer festival, Oktoberfest, will soon be settling down in Manchester’s Albert Square.
The fair, which runs from October 22 to 26, is the world’s largest and attracts more than six million people from around the globe every year.
The main attraction for the event is the authentic Bavarian beverages that come in the form of huge Steins of strong lager.
Oktoberfest Director Carsten Raun told MM that the festival is a unique experience for drinking lovers.
“One of the main attractions for Oktoberfest, which is widely considered the biggest beer festival in the world, is the authentic Bavarian beer brewed for the event,” he said.
“We have a very special brew of 5% lager that was brewed in Bavaria specifically for Manchester Oktoberfest.
“It is specifically made for this event and we have about 25,000 litres ready for the festival, which I am sure people will love.”
The festival will provide visitors with a range of Bavarian delicacies such as bratwurst, sauerkraut (pickled cabbage) and frikadeller (mincemeat dumplings).
A huge tent will be erected in the middle of Albert Square with room for 1,600 people to experience a brilliant atmosphere with live music and dancing.
But the fair is so much more than another beer festival according to Carsten.
“I think Oktoberfest is the biggest beer festival in the wold because it is more than a social event. It is really special and works across the globe because it isn’t just about beer,” he said.
“Oktoberfest is celebrated around the world and in London the event is really well supported. Some places in Canada they absolutely love it and more than 300,000 people attend.
“The Manchester Oktoberfest is smaller but in some ways it is better because you have a more local feeling. In Manchester we also mix up the variety between and UK theme and we play British popular music which guests always sing-along to.”
The fair originated in Munich, Bavaria, Germany and since 1811 the festival has been a 16-day party running from late September to the first weekend in October.
Oktoberfest gives Mancunian’s the opportunity to savour authentic German beer, with gallons of limited edition lager ready to be served by workers dressed in traditional lederhosen.
“People now seem to embrace wearing lederhosen,” explained Carsten.
“You can now even rent or buy them permanently. At first people didn’t really wear them but now they have caught on it creates an even better atmosphere.
“One of the great things is that Munich and Manchester share the similar type of partying style. Both love to socialise and have fun which creates for a great atmosphere, it is just a big party where everyone is having fun.”
The festival is deemed to be a great experience and an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy their company.
Plenty of boozed-based antics will be celebrated in Albert Square, which is also home to the European Markets every December.
“We also like to say that we were the reason for two weddings as two couples met at Oktoberfest in London,” said Carsten.
“Albert Square is a perfect location because you get a really good feeling from the whole place. It is a really special event which has a great atmosphere and I don’t think there is a better place to have it than the heart of the city.
“Manchester Oktoberfest is the real deal.”
Image courtesy of Julian Shroeder, with thanks
