A NEW German-style beer festival will return to Southampton city centre later this year, organisers have announced.

Organisers of the Southampton Oktoberfest will return from Friday, October 26, to Sunday, October 28.

It comes after organisers branded their debut year a success with more than 10,000 people flocking to the big beer tent in Guildhall Square.

Beers from across the continent will be served in traditional Bavarian-style Stein glasses, while a six-piece ‘oompah’ band will provide musical accompaniment to the proceedings along with a variety of German cuisine such as Bratwurst.

Oktoberfest is a famous Munich beer festival, which attracts more than six million to the Bavarian capital each year.

James Ward, event organiser, said: “We had a fantastic response from members of the public last year.

“Nine thousand people people across five sessions is great news and has given the city a big economic boost as well as benefitting local traders and businesses.

“We want to show Southampton how Bavarian culture is celebrated.”

“We are now going to develop and focus on Southampton so we can make it better next year.”

City culture and leisure boss, councillor Satvir Kaur, added: “I hope Southampton’s offering will become well established and continue to grow every year. and residents and visitors will take advantage of this exciting addition to our thriving and dynamic city.

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

Tickets are on sale now, which cost £20 for seating and £10 for standing, and can be purchased at oktoberfestsoton.com.