The best of Bavaria at the Colombo Oktoberfest!

Thursday, 11 October 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The greatest of all things Bavarian will come together in one fantastic fair as Oktoberfest Colombo lifts off in style from 17 to 21 October 2012 at the CR&FC grounds, starting at 6 p.m. daily on weekdays and 4 p.m. daily on weekends.

Partnering with CR&FC are Yes FM, Elephant House, Mount Lavinia Hotel and SriLankan Airlines and there will be music, authentic German cuisine and fun filled activities for the whole family to enjoy with plenty of food and drink, games for the old and the young and live bands to dance the night away.

Known as the largest ‘People’s Fair’ in the world, Oktoberfest is a 16-day festival celebrating all things Bavarian held annually in Munich, Germany. One of the most famous events in the country, more than six million people from around the world attend the festivities every year to celebrate this important part of Bavarian culture – a tradition joyfully maintained since 1810.

Joining many cities across the world that now holds such events to enjoy the festivities, an authentic Oktoberfest will finally make its appearance, kicking up a storm of fun in Colombo this year. The CR&FC grounds in Colombo will come alive with carnival style atmosphere with a 15,000 square feet marquee specially setup for the festivities.

The Mount Lavinia Hotel will provide authentic German cuisine, which will of course include all the must-have Oktoberfest specialities: traditional German sausages, pork roasts and pork knuckles, sauerkraut and many other delicacies. In addition, there will be a vast range of speciality brews to celebrate Oktoberfest in its truest form.

To bring the Colombo Oktoberfest to life, live music will be provided by the traditional Bavarian ‘Oompah’ band Waidigel 7, a troupe of musicians who are as unique as their name and their style of entertainment which aims to provide a pure party atmosphere.

Comprising traditional brass band, modern big band sounds and bravura solos that blare out latest hits in their own way, they believe in a healthy mix of entertainment in the form of music. And as they state, “Our only aim is to give people joy in the music and fun on stage, so that each evening will be a success with us.”

Waidigel 7 will take centre stage for all five days of the festival. Two local bands – Black and Crossroads will also be performing to bring additional party cheer with their own style of music as well.

A host of unusual games typical of Oktoberfest will also keep the action going: barrel rolling, striking hammer, a dunking booth and a host of others are planned for the whole family to enjoy. In addition, firework displays every night will bring more sparks to the carnival buzz.

So it’s time to hunt out the Bavarian costumes: dress up in Dirndl or Lederhosen, don the Bavarian hats and say ‘Prost’ (that’s cheers) to Oktoberfest and join in the celebrations at CR&FC grounds from the 17 to 21 October for heaps of hot food, barrels of cool brews and some great high jinks to remember – a feast of a festival not to be missed.

Tickets priced at Rs. 500 will be available at the entrance. For more information visit www.facebook.com/events/colombooktoberfest