Britain’s favourite beer festival was alive and well for the first time in 2 years last week in Redbourn. 2500 merry attendees celebrated October in German style on the 27th and 28th- indulging in bratwurst, pretzels, and the occasional pint! Hosted by Barbican Events, guests could also try their steady hands at axe throwing, and traditional games. The traditionally two-week long festival has its origins in Germany, 1810, when King Louis I wed Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. At the time, there was a large feast and daily horse races. Nowadays, the feasts remain but those horses might not be coming back any time soon!

 

I spoke to my friend and veteran Oktoberfest visiter Jamie Ricks, who said that ‘Oktoberfest is its own atmosphere; you can’t easily compare it to other festivals or gatherings, but everybody is equally excited to be there.’ He also tells me that the bratwurst is the best food to purchase at the event- so keep that in mind when buying tickets next year. 

The much loved festival is expected to run every year now, like it did in pre-COVID times. You can expect to catch it around the end of October in 2024!