Oktoberfest returns to Southampton in 2022

Revellers can enjoy a taste of Bavaria as the popular festival returns to the city.

People have travelled from far and wide for the event, which started yesterday and continues today.

Thousands flock to festival

Organiser Gary Bennetton said thousands of people are expected.

He said: “It’s a really, really good party atmosphere.

“The ages of attendees ranges from 18 to 80, it’s a really diverse audience.

“This is our first ‘normal’ Oktoberfest since Covid and it has been great, we’ve had really good numbers.

“We expect 5,000 people for the three sessions across the two days.”

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'Great atmosphere'

Hundreds of people poured into the large marquee on Saturday.

Among them were friends Kevin Alderton and Stuart Passfield and their respective partners, Kirsty Lane and Tina Passfield.

From L-R: Kevin Alderton, Kirsty Lane, Tina Passfield and Stuart Passfield (Image: Maya George, Newsquest)

Kevin, 51, travelled from Hythe for the event.

He said: “This is the first time we have done Oktoberfest here but we have done it in Munich.

“There’s a great atmosphere.”

Stuart, 57, added: “I have never been to Oktoberfest before so we thought we would give it a go.”

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Matt Nevitt visited with his friends and said: “It’s good and we are enjoying it so far.

From L-R: Matt Nevitt, Chris Parsons, Mark Parsons, Ben Mason, Jamie Potter and Keith Bukes (Image: Maya George, Newsquest)

“I’ve never been to an Oktoberfest here before. It’s good fun.”

It was also the first time for Tiffany and Harvey from Southampton.

Tiffany said: “There’s a nice atmosphere and it makes a change from Covid.

“There’s a good vibe and it’s really busy.”

Spotlight on Southampton

As a city-based business it was important the event boasted the best of the south, according to Gary.

He said: “Southampton Oktoberfest is a big set up and for me, the Guildhall was designed to do events this large.

From L-R: Harriet Lusty, Alice Roberts, Freya Kingsbury and Polly Crews (Image: Maya George, Newsquest)

“We need to encourage more people to do big events here as it brings people to the city.

“Our company Event Cartel runs this event, and we employ people from Southampton, use local suppliers, and we’re based in Southampton.

“This event provides opportunities for people from all walks of life.”

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