MAYOR Darryn Lyons has helped lure one of the world’s oldest and most popular festival traditions to Geelong.
The city will stage its first Oktoberfest after his Big Group of Companies formed a partnership with Events People Australia, which runs a similar festival in Tasmania.
Cr Lyons said he was thrilled about bringing Oktoberfest to his hometown.
“We’re a proudly multicultural city and Oktoberfest Geelong is a fantastic addition to our existing cultural events program and I know Geelong will embrace it.
“This is a fantastic new event for Geelong, filled with fun and tradition. We’re thrilled that we have been able to secure Oktoberfest Geelong for a minimum of five years, so move over Munich!”
Events People Australia director Stuart Harris said Oktoberfest was a hit in Hobart.
“Last year Tasmanians had the opportunity to experience the traditional bratwursts, Bavarian beer and oompah bands that characterise this unique cultural celebration when Oktoberfest Hobart was held for the first time,” Mr Harris said.
“That event was a huge success, attracting more than 14,000 enthusiastic attendees and I’m sure the Geelong event will be equally as popular.”
Oktoberfest is the world’s largest ‘volksfest’, or beer festival and travelling funfair. Munich hosts the event annually over 16 days from late September to the first weekend in October.
More than six million people from around the world attend the Oktoberfest in Germany each year. Many patrons attend in traditional German lederhosen and associated clothing.
Mr Harris said Oktoberfest Geelong would deliver an authentic Bavarian experience with food and drink, live music, events including best beard competitions, cow-milking, barrel races, strongman and strongwoman championships and more.
Organisers would import direct from Munich six of the German festival’s seven brands of beer to help give the Geelong event added authenticity.
Hofbräu, Franziskaner, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbräu and Paulaner beers must adhere to an 1847 Bavarian Purity Law that stipulates beers must comprise only four ingredients: hops, barley malt, yeast and water.
Mr Harris said tickets would go on sale Wednesday for $29.95.
