Oktoberfest time! Prost!

Following a successful experience in Cape Town over the past weekend where the Windhoek [Lager] Oktoberfest was hosted for the first time since its inception in Windhoek 57 years ago, Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) - a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – is very excited about the upcoming fest in Windhoek, which takes place this coming weekend. Regarded as the best Oktoberfest in Africa, this much anticipated event on Namibia’s annual entertainment calendar has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, and is expected to be even bigger and better this year. ”This year we kicked things off in Cape Town. For the first time in the history of the Windhoek [Lager] Oktoberfest we took the event to South Africa, and we are very pleased with the results. The turnout of supporters was great, and it was definitely a huge success with the presence of the local councillor, Theresa Uys, as well as the German Consul in SA, Klaus Stross, while Namibian students from the University of Stellenbosch were there in full force too,” says Norbert Wurm, member of the Oktoberfest organising committee. Thousands of people are once again expected to participate in this year’s Oktoberfest which takes place today and tomorrow. From 1 000 people in 2010 to about 5 000 people last year, this event continues to draw beer lovers, even from other parts of the world. Foreign visitors have so far included participants from the United States of America, Austria and Germany, as well as from neighbouring countries Angola, Botswana and South Africa. Wurm adds: “For Windhoek we are well organised. We had the rehearsal in Cape Town last weekend so the main act in Windhoek should be pretty good. Great German food, traditional games and activities, world-class entertainment and of course, our excellent Namibian beer, brewed according to the purity law, the Reinheitsgebot of 1516, can be expected by Windhoek Oktoberfest supporters. Not to forget the ‘Festbier’ brewed specially for the Oktoberfest which will, together with all other NBL beer brands, be available at the event, including Camelthorn Weissbier and Erdinger Weissbier.” “On the entertainment side, as always, we bring you the popular world class Oktoberfest band - the Kirchdorfer - straight from the original Oktoberfest in Munich, where they’ve been performing in the Hacker-Festzelt every year since 1994. They bring the true Oktoberfest spirit to all corners of the globe. And of course, in support of our local talent, we are proud to present to you the well-known and highly talented Wikaphoniker who will make sure that everyone stays entertained with excellent live music offering,” Wurm said. Participants can also look forward to the traditional Bavarian games on offer. According to Wurm, there are more games on offer this year than before, as well as a local dance group - plus the traditional Schuhplattler from Geissenbrunn in Bavaria. Some of the popular games will include mechanical bull-riding, archery, log-sawing and beer-lifting for the ladies. And, as per Oktoberfest tradition, the annual ‘Beer Queen’ will also be crowned. The venue remains the same, for reasons of familiarity and authenticity. The event will be held at the SKW grounds in large beer tents, with long tables and benches. The Windhoek Oktoberfest celebrates authentic German traditions, great atmosphere fuelled by Namibian passion and quality local beers. “Don’t forget your traditional Bavarian costumes – the ‘Dirndl’ for the ladies and the ‘Lederhosen’ for the gents, to round you off perfectly for the event. Free beer for everyone who turns up in a traditional Bavarian dress”, Wurm concluded. STAFF REPORTER