Oktoberfest

2021

The Oktoberfest

is the world's largest Volksfest (beer festival and travelling funfair), which has been held since the year 1810. The original event was a celebration of the wedding of Kronprinz Ludwig, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on 12 October 1810. The citizens of Munich were cordially invited to attend the festivities held on the fi elds in front of the city gates to celebrate the fabulous royal event. In honour of the Crown Princess the fi elds were re-named Theresienwiese ("Theresa's Meadow"). They have retained the name ever since, however the locals have abbreviated the name simply to Wiesn.

The festivities proved to be so popular that the decision was taken to repeat the event in 1811 launching what is now the annual Oktoberfest tradition which is an important part of Bavarian culture. Many other cities across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations that are modelled after the much loved original Munich event.

If you are attending an Oktoberfest event you can expect a good selection of beer as well as a some foot stomping, table slapping Oompah music and loud singing.

Need something to soak up the beer? Get stuck into a hearty feast of schweinshaxe (roasted ham hock), steckerlfi sch (grilled fi sh on a stick), würstl (sausages), knödel (potato or fl our dumplings) and of course brezen (pretzels). All of which will are best enjoyed whilst wearing the traditional Bavarian clothing... dirndls and lederhosen. Try this traditional Bavarian soup... what could be better than a combo of beer and cheese? What to experience the fun of Oktoberfest? Get along to one of these local events.

Beer

cheese soup

INGREDIENTS: Serves 6

• 300g bacon, chopped to 2cm pieces • 1 small onion, fi nely chopped • 1 red bell pepper, fi nely chopped • 1 Jalapeño, seeded and fi nely chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped • 30g plain fl our • 4 tbsp butter • 330ml bottle Pilsner beer • 500ml chicken stock • 250ml double cream • 300g mature cheddar • Chives

Eaton Park

NORWICH 2-3 October Tickets: from £10 This October, Eaton Park will be totally transformed into a traditional Oktoberfest experience for one traditional Bavarian weekend! Bring on the bier (over 30,000 litres to be precise!) oktoberfestnorwich.co.uk

Epic Studios,

NORWICH 2 OCTOBER Tickets: from £10 Featuring brilliant acts The Bavarian Strollers (as seen on Sky’s TV show A League of Their Own) and NightTrain, this is certain to be a fantastic weekend beer celebration! epic-tv.com

OceanRooms

GORLESTON-ON-SEA 8-9 OCTOBER Tickets: From £11 Over the course of three sessions over the weekend, you can expect lots of German beer and steins, a live Oompah band, DJ, traditional German food as well as lots of dancing on the tables! oceanroom.co.uk

METHOD:

Heat a large sauce pan over a medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until crispy. When cooked transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to drain off any excess oil. Drain off the fat from the pan and then add the onion, bell pepper, jalapeño and thyme. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.

Reducing the heat to medium add the butter and stir until melted. Sprinkle in the fl our a bit at a time and stir until fully absorbed. Pour in the beer, stirring constantly.

Slowly add the chicken stock and cream, stirring until completely combined. Then bring to a low simmer. Add the grated cheese a handful at a time until melted. Season to taste and add in half of the cooked bacon. Garnish with the leftover bacon and chives.

Christchurch Park

IPSWICH 16 OCTOBER The Severals Pavilion

NEWMARKET 23 OCTOBER Nowton Park

BURY ST EDMUNDS 30 OCTOBER The world-famous Oktoberfest is coming to Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket this autumn. Christchurch Park (Ipswich), Nowton Park (Bury St Edmunds) and The Severals Pavilion (Newmarket) will be transformed into wonderful Bavarian beer gardens. Offering a taste of authentic German culture, traditional street food, live entertainment and only the best Oktoberfest beer. skiddle.com