Oktoberfest Celebrations

Oktoberfest has become a big hit in the UK, giving people the chance to enjoy a slice of Bavarian culture without hopping on a plane to Germany. The festival first started in Munich back in 1810 to celebrate a royal wedding, but over the years it’s grown into the world’s biggest beer party. Here in the UK, it’s less about history and more about bringing people together for good drinks, food, and plenty of fun.

The star of Oktoberfest is, of course, the beer. Events across the UK often feature famous German brews like Paulaner, Hofbräu, and Löwenbräu. These classic lagers, known as Märzen, are brewed specially for the season and served in huge steins, perfect for raising a toast with friends. At Mad Squirrel, we also brew our own Oktoberfest beer Festbier, perfect to join in with this celebration.  Add in the sound of live oompah bands and you’ve got a buzzing beer-hall atmosphere.

But it’s not just about what’s in your glass—the food makes the festival special too. Think giant pretzels, juicy bratwursts, crispy schnitzels, roast chicken, and heaps of sauerkraut. Long wooden tables, traditional costumes, and lots of singing make the whole thing feel like a proper Bavarian party. In the UK, Oktoberfest is really about celebrating togetherness—with plenty of beer and hearty food to keep spirits high.