For those that enjoy drinking beer, there are few events that stand out as much as Oktoberfest Guildford. The German-inspired event is a chance to sample all sorts of different beers from numerous different locations, drinking and being merry whilst also dressing up in some outfits that arguably border on the offensive. Oktoberfest will be returning to Stoke Park and promises to be ‘bigger and better’ than it’s ever been before, which will no doubt delight the attendees.
What Exactly Is Oktoberfest?
If you have never been to an Oktoberfest event then you would be forgiven for wondering what the fuss is all about. The original one is classed as the largest ‘Volksfest’ in the world, with a Volksfest being a large event in German-speaking countries that combines a beer or wine festival with a travelling funfair. It is hosted in Munich between late September and the start of October, attracting more than seven million people. Having been held since 1810, it unsurprisingly caught on elsewhere and similar events take place around the world.
There are, as you might imagine, smaller versions of the Oktoberfest event held in different cities around Germany, but it is the move to host German-themed events in English cities that has really caught on. It is a chance to celebrate German culture, of course, but it is also just a good excuse to drink a few beers and have a laugh with friends. That is why cities around the United Kingdom look to host Oktoberfest events, from Birmingham to Liverpool via London and Manchester, with the Surrey-based Oktoberfest having been hosted by Guildford nine times previously.
Stoke Park as Host Venue
Come October, Stoke Park will be transformed into a mini-Munich. It is a massive celebration of the beer, food and drink of Germany, as well as a chance for the community to get together. As a result, it isn’t just beer that will be sold by the stalls set up in Stoke Park, with other drinking options like cider, wine, Prosecco and spirits on offer alongside the usual mixture of soft drinks. That being said, there is no question that the beer, which will be served in steins that can hold as much as two points, will be the star of the show.
When it comes to the food side of things, there will be all of the usual offerings, but those with a German-twist will be the most commonly in demand. That means things like bratwurst and pretzels will be everywhere you look, ensuring that those in attendance will get to enjoy the sense that they could be in Munich rather than Guildford. The fact that it is the tenth year that Guildford will be hosting Oktoberfest suggests that the organisers now know what they’re doing and are aware of what it is that people will want from their experience.
One Big Party
The entire point of Oktoberfest is to have fun, celebrating the idea of community and coming together to toast one another. The Marketing Manager for Oktoberfest in Guildford, Tom Cullen, pointed to the idea that people can ‘expect an even bigger show’ with ‘exciting additions’. There are numerous different ticket types available, with the cheapest being standing tickets going all the way up to a VIP experience, with bench seating sitting somewhere in the middle when it comes to how much the tickets will cost to buy.
The party atmosphere will be enhanced by Oompah bands, who will be offering their own take on ‘oompop’, whilst other bands and DJs will also be on hand to provide some entertainment. There will be three main sessions in which you’ll be able to see some Lederhosen, Drindles and have a singalong, with the first being on the Friday evening before two take place on the Saturday. Of course, this being an Oktoberfest celebration means that many of the people there for the fun will also be dressing up to the nines to enjoy themselves.