Hundreds of people turned out for the first Oktoberfest in Oxford's South Park this weekend.
The event took place at the park to the east of the city on Friday (October 25) and Saturday (October 26) with more than 3,000 people in attendance across the two days.
Held in a large tent at the top of South Park overlooking the city, the event featured German beer, food, axe throwing, and a lively Oompa band.
The atmosphere was buzzing, with plenty of singing and dancing, and many turned up in traditional German Lederhosen outfits.
Brass renditions of the YMCA and Angels by Robbie Williams were played, as well as performances from local singer Tom Seth Johnson and DJ Darren Jones.
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Tim Healy travelled from London to celebrate his friend Matt Morrison's birthday.
He said it was "absolutely great" and agreed it had lived up to expectations.
Jenna Whapham also attended the event with a group of her friends.
"It's been absolutely lovely, it's been such a nice vibe," she said.
"We would come again."
The event, which travels to different locations including Bath, originated from just an idea between two school friends in Hertfordshire.
Organiser and co-founder Andrew Dempsey, 28, said: "Me and my best mate, Tom, we always had the idea to do an Oktoberfest in our hometown.
"We never let go of the idea at all, and then we got to around Covid time and he still didn't let go of the idea.
"We took the plunge and did our first Oktoberfest four years ago and it's now turned into a full Oktoberfest tour where we do five Oktoberfests all across the UK with more than 25,000 people in attendance across the whole tour.
"It's been super well received by the Oxford community."
Saturday evening was a sell-out event, which he said doesn't happen "very often".
We’re now on the last song from the band - but I have a feeling the party won’t be over anytime soon… pic.twitter.com/WeHMuJ1LFr
— Charlotte Coles (@charcolesjourno) October 26, 2024
The 28-year-old said they have worked closely with the two universities, local businesses - including Burn Out BBQ - and Oxford City Council to put the event on.
"It's been amazing," he continued.
"Oxford is such a prestigious location. We wanted to be able to host Oktoberfest where we could bring the best things out in the local community - that brings local staffing, local food vendors and the community as well to all come together and have a good time.
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"I think Oxford is a true definition of ticking all those boxes.
"The council have been super co-operative as well. The main thing for this is being able to preserve the ground as well.
"We've been in constant communication where South Park has had its downfalls in the past. They're really happy with how we've operated it."
It comes after there has been controversy over the damage caused by a bonfire event in the park which angered some locals.
This year's Guy Fawkes celebration will not have a bonfire for the first time in 56 years as a result.
Mr Dempsey added: "Thank you to Oxford for receiving this event. I know it's quite a big event and we hope to be back here again."
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