Oktoberfest: Why the UK Goes Mad for Germany’s Biggest Beer Party

When you hear “Oktoberfest,” your mind probably jumps to overflowing steins of golden lager, people in lederhosen, and giant beer tents rocking with brass bands. And you’d be spot on. But here’s the thing—Oktoberfest isn’t just a Munich tradition anymore. Every September and October, the UK suddenly transforms into Bavaria-on-Sea. Pubs, breweries, and even supermarkets roll out their best German beers, and people queue up to drink like it’s the mother of all stag dos.

Where It All Began

Oktoberfest kicked off back in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria. What started as a royal knees-up has snowballed into the world’s biggest beer festival, attracting over 6 million people to Munich each year. It’s not just about the beer either—there’s food, parades, music, and a staggering amount of questionable dancing on tables.

Oktoberfest Facts You Never Knew!

Why Do We Celebrate It in the UK?

Because we bloody love an excuse to drink lager, that’s why. Over the past few decades, Oktoberfest has become a global phenomenon, and the UK has happily jumped on board. Breweries brew their own Märzens, pubs host stein-fuelled weekends, and supermarket shelves are stacked with imported German classics. It’s like Christmas for beer nerds, except the only gift is a hangover.

What’s Being Poured?

Traditionally, Oktoberfest beers are Märzens—amber lagers with a malty backbone and a clean finish. They sit around 5–6% ABV and are designed for drinking in volume (a polite way of saying “you’ll sink three steins before you realise how pissed you are”). But these days, you’ll also find Helles lagers, wheat beers, and even Oktoberfest-themed craft releases brewed right here in the UK.

Fancy Joining the Party?

If you can’t get to Munich (or you don’t fancy remortgaging your house for the flights and hotel), the good news is you can bring Oktoberfest to your own fridge. Beers of Europe stock a massive range of authentic German lagers, wheat beers, and Oktoberfest specials—all delivered straight to your door.

👉 Click here to shop Oktoberfest beers at Beers of Europe.

Whether you’re after Paulaner, Hofbräu, or something a bit more niche, they’ve got you covered. And yes, drinking it out of a giant glass stein in your kitchen while wearing a pair of novelty lederhosen absolutely counts as “celebrating Oktoberfest.”

Final Thoughts

Oktoberfest in the UK is basically a great excuse to drink world-class beer, eat too many pretzels, and pretend you know the words to “Ein Prosit.” So grab yourself a few German beauties, crank up the oompah playlist, and raise a toast—Prost!