Best UK spots to celebrate Oktoberfest

Guten Tag! Oktoberfest is fast approaching.

Originating from Germany, Oktoberfest is renowned for being the largest beer festival in the world, running from mid-September through to early October each year. The event sees more than 6 million people from around the world attend every year, the equivalent of 10% of Britain, proving beer really does make the world go round.

The highly acclaimed event sells out fast and many Oktoberfest-goers miss out on their opportunity to nab a ticket to beer party central. But if you’re one of those people, don’t give up just yet! To celebrate this wondrous occasion of beautifully brewed beers and magnificent food, The Sun Travel has created a guide to the best places in the UK to celebrate Oktoberfest.

UK or Germany, here’s what to expect:

• Music from southern Germany. Live music and DJs will be playing a soundtrack theme of ‘modern Tyrolean’ – that’s lively folk music to the rest of us. And it’s guaranteed to make you dance the night away!
• Authentic giant German beers brought to you from Bavaria. We do not use the word ‘giant’ lightly.
• Be prepared to see Lederhosen and Drindl dresses everywhere.
• Some seriously Bavarian food. Sausages served with mustard and sauerkraut, warm soft pretzels, apple strudel and grilled chicken galore.

1. London

Our great capital loves a bit of Oktoberfest. Certainly celebrated in style, The Real Oktoberfest, in partnership with German Brewery Paulaner, will bring the festival over from Munich to four different London locations and be held in some amazing tents with space for up to 3,300 people. The tents will travel to Electric Brixton, Brixton (2^nd-5^th Sept), Islington, venue TBC (10^th-13^th Sept), Kilburn Grange Park, Camden (17^th-20^th and 24^th-27^th Sept), Millwall Park, Canary Wharf (1^st-4^th Oct and 8^th-11^th Oct).

There's also OktoberFest London, at the Tabacco Docks in Wapping (8^th-11^th Oct), where there will even be a traditional Bavarian Oompah band playing classic British pop and rock. Queen and Oasis belters alongside our Steins? Yes please.

If that wasn’t enough, The Bavarian Beerhouse, known for its authentic German foods and beer, will celebrate Munich-style at two London venues in Old Street and Tower Hill. Head over between 23^rd September and 24^th October and expect plenty of bench dancing, stein-lifting, and traditional Dirndl dresses.

2. Manchester

Manchester Oktoberfest will take place in Albert Square (no, not that one) for five booze-filled days between the 21^st and 25^th October. The Real Oktoberfest bring their beautiful tents, with a capacity of 2,000 people, to celebrate just how brilliant German beer and food is. If you’re saving the pennies, visit on Wednesday when entry is free. You can expect to pay £5 for a ticket Thursday, Friday and Sunday, while Saturday is £10 a head.

3. Birmingham

Brummies are ready to party! The Real Oktoberfest will host the event in a tent with a capacity of 2,500 for five days from the 14^th - 18^th October in Cannon Hill Park. The setting is located less than two miles from the centre of Birmingham so if you need a breather from the many litres of beer, there’s always the nearby Bullring shopping centre, or the park itself has plenty of other activities to enjoy, including mini golf.

4. Glasgow

Get your wee legs moving to bonnie Scotland between the 21^st and 25^th October when The Real Oktoberfest’s super party tents will be heading to Glasgow’s Green Park. There’s a capacity of 2,500 and the site is located near to some amazing pubs and bars to get a feel of some Scottish vibes as well as German!

5. Edinburgh

The Real Oktoberfest bring you another Scotland date, with a tent capacity of 1,500, Edinburgh will see the event take place from 7^th - 11^th October in Prince Street Gardens. In the dramatic shadow of Edinburgh Castle, the site lies at the centre of the city’s World Heritage area and is surrounded by some fantastic restaurants and cafés. If you’re not too hungover, head up to Arthur’s Seat during your visit for spectacular views over the city – rest assured, the hike to the top will leave you needing a beer.

6. Devon

Exeter, the ‘Heart of Devon’, brings you this year’s Oktoberfest celebrations at the magical court yard of Exeter Castle during the 24^th - 26^th September. All the usual German-related frivolities will be there, plus the event will celebrate in line with the Castle’s own mini festival which involves a month of rugby related activities, perfectly coordinated with this year’s World Cup. Beer and sport. Sport and beer. Where do we sign up?

Can’t free up some time to go beer crazy?

Oktoberfest may be a great time to visit if you love a beer-fuelled party, but Germany offers a fantastic getaway all year round. Berlin, the sexy, alternative and liberal city will be sure to meet your party needs if you happen to fall busy during the usual Oktoberfest celebrations. The quirky capital not only has some mind-blowing attractions, but the party scene is what you would describe as, sehr (VERY) good!  Or if you’re already on the Christmas countdown, Frankfurt plays host to some of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in the whole of Germany. Mulled wine aplenty and a huge range of festive gifts, music, and food make the cold temperatures more than worthwhile.

To conclude, we are all BEER-Y excited. Cheers!