BEER lovers are being reminded that the world famous Oktoberfest will return to Southampton following a year long hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Taking place over three days in Guildhall Square, the celebration of Bavarian culture will include a full marquee, a live ‘Oompah’ band, a range of authentic German beers served in stein glasses and food stalls.

The festival, organised by Orange Rooms owner Gary Bennetton, will take place on Friday, October 29, Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31.

The 2017, 2018 and 2019 events saw more than 13,000 people through the doors, and it is hoped this year's events will match that.

Friday and Sunday will offer evening sessions between 6.30pm and 11pm and Saturday will be a daytime slot between 12:30 and 17:30.

Councillor Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for culture, welcomed the event as a relief to a year’s worth of lockdown restrictions.

She said: “Everyone has missed opportunities to meet up and enjoy Southampton’s incredible events calendar during the pandemic.

“Public health still remains our priority, and as such we will continue to work with event organisers to ensure all planned events this year are following public health guidance and are as safe as possible.”

Ticket prices for Oktoberfest Southampton include standing tickets starting at £10, seating tickets from £25 and the option of a VIP table from £400.

A number of ticket options have already sold out.

The event’s organisers have offered ticket protection policing which means that if the event is cancelled due to Covid-19 legislation, all tickets will be refunded.

Oktoberfest began as a wedding celebration more than 200 years ago when Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen in October 1810.

The occasion was celebrated with multiple days of drinking, feasting and horse races which eventually became a very popular annual event.

Though it is celebrated in many locations across the world, the main event – a major tourist attraction – is held in Munich annually over two weeks ending on the first Sunday of October.

Oktoberfest Southampton is an 18+ only event.

More information about the event and how to buy tickets can be found at oktoberfestsoton.com