PLANS have been revealed for a huge German beer festival based on the world-renowned Oktoberfest to be held in Southampton.

The German concept, which attracts millions of visitors every year would be held in what is going to be one of the largest beer tents in Hampshire, across four days between Thursday, October 26 to Sunday, October 29.

The marquee which will be at Guildhall Square will be full of huge tables where people will gather to enjoy beers from all over the continent filled in the ‘Bavarian style’ Stein glasses, like at the Oktoberfest spectacle in Munich. 

As well as the continental beer, organisers also plan to hold a variety of Bavarian-style entertainment for guests, with live music and a German fair as well as an abundance of German cuisine. 

Ryan Keary, one of the organisers, hopes it will attract more 10,000 people across the four days. 

He said: “The benefits to the city would be great. Southampton has an abundance of nightlife and culture that caters for everyone.

‘’The event will have a real carnival atmosphere and be a celebration of true Bavarian culture.

‘’It will make Southampton the place to be, people will come from all over.

‘’It will utilise the Guildhall Square event space in Southampton very well and we hope to work with the council on using the space for future events.”

The plans are currently being discussed with city entertainment bosses.
It is hoped that an official events plan will put forward to Southampton City Council licensing committee next month with tickets expected to be on sale in March. 

Cabinet Member for Communities Culture and Leisure, Councillor Satvir Kaur said: “Southampton is the place where something is always happening and Oktoberfest would be a fantastic addition to the city’s events calendar.

“Oktoberfest is world renowned and the events are held in major cities around the globe. 

“We’re confident that Southampton’s offering will become well established and continue to grow every year, provided it’s successful with its licence application and other approvals. 

‘’The events are great fun with German style fancy dress, food, drink and entertainment.

“The event caters for all ages, with afternoon and evening sittings taking place over four days on the Thursday through to Sunday at the end of October.

“I hope local residents and visitors will take advantage of this exciting addition to our thriving and dynamic city.”