What to expect from London Oktoberfest

Erdinger Oktoberfest arrives in London next month.

Munich and the Bavaria region are perhaps most famous for FC Bayern Munich and, of course, its Oktoberfest. Last week Ticketmaster were invited out to the town of Erding, just 10km from Munich, to celebrate their Herbstfest (Autumn Feast), a traditional festival that pops up all across the region in the weeks leading up to the Munich festival.

Herbstfests celebrate the end of the harvest and the start of autumn and tend to be more traditional and authentic than the now globally famous main event which takes over Munich. However, they are by no means small events. This one featured fun fairs, food stalls and two huge beer tents, one of which fit 7,500 people in it! We felt lucky to experience this uniquely brilliant event.

With brass bands playing traditional German songs and many international hits, the sight of everyone up on their tables singing the Tony Christie classic line Show Me The Way To Amarillo is one we’ll never forget. What struck us most is that it’s very much a family-friendly event in Germany with children being in attendance and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and wines available, meaning there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

With Oktoberfest set to arrive in Greenwich this October for three weekends of music, drink, and traditional Bavarian fun, here’s some of things ticket holders can expect, based on our time in Erding.

Authentic German partying

There’s a reason why Oktoberfest is world famous. Greenwich is promising to host the full experience, somewhat literally. They are shipping the tents, fun fairs, beer, Steins, food, lederhosen and even traditional German waitresses for the 5 – 22 October event to replicate the Bavarian party for us Brits to enjoy.

Cheesy hits made German

Oktoberfest isn’t just about the drink and Bratwurst. Because what’s food and a beverage without music? As well as singing along to Show Me The Way To Amarillo, we also experienced some unusual takes on the likes of The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army, and much more. It makes for a great singalong. Expect jovial voices to be raised.

Learn the lingo

To get you started, Prost is Cheers in German, but there’s a definite technique to Prost-ing. Tap your steins, place on the table lightly and then drink. Get it right the first time and that’s some major brownie points.

Don your Dirdls and Lederhosen

Don’t be afraid to get your favourite German glad rags on. You certainly will not be alone, both in Germany and here in the UK. It’s all about embracing that Bavarian culture, because what a culture it is.

Yes, the waitressed really can carry all those steins

If you’ve ever been to Munich you might have had the pleasure of visiting the somewhat unusual beer museum. In it, you can try your hand at carrying those iconic Oktoberfest steins. Those adept waitresses can manage a serious amount in one go. We paled in comparison.

Just a whole load of fun

There really is no place on earth like Oktoberfest, and the experience coming to London is as authentic as they come. Grab your friends and family, and head on down to Greenwich in October for a celebration of food, drink, music, culture, and all the good things in life.

Tickets for Oktoberfest are on sale now through Ticketmaster.co.uk.