Thousands of people have flocked to Oktoberfest Southampton as the fun-filled event made a welcome return to the city.

The Bavarian-style celebration - the largest of its type on the south coast - was held in a huge marquee in Guildhall Square.

Revellers managed to stay warm and dry while other visitors to the city centre did their best to dodge the downpours.

A bar at one end of the jam-packed marquee did a roaring trade as Oktoberfest fans queued up to buy large amounts of authentic German beer served in stein glasses.

See our photos from last year's event here

People dressed in Alpine-style costumes often found themselves swaying in time to music provided by an 'Oompah' band called The Bavarian Strollers.

James Ward, one of the directors, said the sell-out event welcomed 1,500 people on Friday, followed by a similar number the next day.

He confirmed that this year's Oktoberfest was similar to previous celebrations events, adding: "It's a working model that everyone loves and enjoys.

"We've had people in from Brighton, Dorset, and Salisbury, plus Winchester and other places across Hampshire."