Bierkellers, lederhosen-clad musicians and bratwurst sausages - it could ONLY be Alton Towers’ hugely popular Oktoberfest event . This weekend marked the return of the resort’s German-themed festival, transforming part of the 500-acre Theme Park into a Bavarian-themed venue, complete with seasonal food, beer and live entertainment.
Manchester Evening News took a trip to the Staffordshire-based Resort to enjoy the festivities, sample the traditional Deusche cuisine, ride the Wicker Man and make a ‘Prost’ - the German toast - in the bierkeller.
During our visit, we made note of everything on offer, as well as prices and entertainment, so that you know what to expect at this ‘oomptastic’ event.
READ MORE: How to get cheap tickets for Alton Towers Oktoberfest, Scarefest and Christmas events
The Oktoberfest festival spans across the front lawn area overlooking the lake and stunning Grade II listed towers. The party continues in Mutiny Bay and throughout the theme park, with rides open until 7pm.
Chris Carter, Events and Entertainments Director at Alton Towers Resort, said: “This year we are hosting even more non-stop fun and thrills for families and thrill-seekers throughout the season. Oktoberfest has grown from a small folk festival in Munich to a hugely popular event that’s now celebrated around the world. It brings together a great mix of rollercoasters, live entertainment and fabulous food and drink, plus so much more.
“We’re thrilled the event is returning, we remain committed to creating a much-needed form of escapism for families and thrill-seekers across the UK and beyond. We are excited to welcome guests to the Resort and to share our oomptastic Oktoberfest entertainment, which we’re sure our guests will love.”
Here’s everything you need to know about Oktoberfest 2022 at Alton Towers.
Food stalls and prices
There’s a great mix of German themed food on offer at Oktoberfest this year, including pretzels, bratwurst and schnitzels. Visitors can pick up chips, curly fries or wedges for £5, or add crispy chicken wings for an extra £3. Alternatively, there are some Southern fried chicken strips, and a plant-based option, too.
A hog roast was serving up hot pork rolls for less than £10, with pork schnitzel - a traditional German dish - costing £9, also with a vegan variation for the same price.
For me, the bratwurst was the star of the show, costing £8 for a Käsekrainer, which is a large German sausage with little pockets of cheese inside. It came served on a chewy pretzel bun and topped with crispy onions, and I highly recommend you try one during your visit because I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
Brand-new for 2022, revellers can test their taste buds with a new sausage platter, using three of the world’s hottest chillies, including the habanero chilli, ghost chilli and the California reaper chilli. I’m certainly not brave enough to try the challenge, but I imagine there will be some visitors well up for seeing if they can handle the heat.
Those looking for something sweeter can find freshly baked churros for between £5-6, with hot drinks costing between £2.80 and £4. Another stall was selling a beautiful salted caramel and pretzel ice cream made in nearby Matlock, coming in at £4.50 for a pretty generous tub, topped with pretzel pieces and a sticky caramel sauce.
One of my favourite things to do at Oktoberfest is toast a marshmallow, too. There are giant marshmallows available for £2 each at the stalls, which can be toasted in Alton Towers’ own fire pit which overlooks the lawn.
Beer and bar prices
The Alpine-themed double decker Wunderbar is back for 2022, as well, with a selection of beers, spirits and soft drinks on offer. Naturally, it’s only right to grab a stein and pour a pint at Oktoberfest , with halves costing £3.50 and all pints coming in at £6.
On the pumps at the bar there’s a Franziskaner Weissbier, as well as Camden Pale Ale, Stella Artois and a Spaten Oktoberfestbier. Those that prefer cider can opt for Magner’s original or dark fruits.
I sampled the Oktoberfestbier and, as someone who wouldn’t call themselves a beer drinker, really enjoyed it. Made in Munich, it’s one of only six breweries in the world that can officially brew Oktoberfestbier, and has a subtly sweet flavour, with hints of honey and caramel, perfect for raising a glass to the autumn season.
Oktoberfest merchandise
Thrillseekers can take a slice of Oktoberfest home with them in the form of their themed merchandise, available exclusively from the stall on the lawns amidst the food, drink and party vibes. Fans can pick up an Oktoberfest bear for £14, with magnets costing £5, which feature a hidden bottle opener.
An absolute must is a one-pint stein for a fiver, while you can double up and get a two-pint stein for £10. Or, if you fancy REALLY getting into the spirit, you can get Oktoberfest t-shirts for £20 and hoodies for £40.
Live entertainment on the lawns
Over on the lawns there is plenty of seating where you can enjoy the live entertainment, as well as beer barrels stood on end for those who preferred to stand. In the crisp evenings, many visitors huddle around the low crackling fire pits which make it feel extremely autumnal.
At the back of the lawn towards Mutiny Bay, there’s a board featuring all the performers for the day, and what time to catch them. Most acts perform three or four times a day, with the latest showing being 7.30pm, ending the evening with a bang.
This year, little ones will love The Darwin Show with Darwin the Dodo, while the Lebhaft Tanzen Show will have the whole family up and dancing. There’s also an Oktoberfest sing-a-long show, as well as two live bands - the Lunafall Party Band and The Oomparty Band. Speakers are positioned around the lawn so everyone can hear the performance regardless of where they are seated.
As well as a jam-packed schedule of live entertainment, there will be additional street theatre including Beer and Bubbles, Alpine Horn Man and the popular Barrell Monks, so do keep an eye out for them and give them a wave if you spot them.
Mutiny Bay bierkeller
For those looking for a more laidback Bavarian experience, the Bierkeller located in Mutiny Bay’s Courtyard is the perfect place to relax and unwind while singing along to German tunes and sampling authentic German biers.
There are three different entertainment acts here, including a lederhosen-wearing musician playing the accordion and an acoustic musician performing well known covers.
Quick Oktoberfest guide:
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Oktoberfest runs from September 10 to October 2
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Day passes start at £38 per person
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Tickets give you access to the theme park and Oktoberfest
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Entertainment starts at 11.30am, and runs until 8pm - an hour after rides close
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There are a number of food vendors serving fries, hog roast, bratwurst and sweet treats - expect to pay around £8 for a meal at Oktoberfest
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There is also an Oktoberfest merchandise stall selling souvenirs and clothing starting from £5
Oktoberfest offers the perfect setting for families and friends looking to explore new delicious dishes and live outdoor entertainment in a fun, family friendly atmosphere.
Included in the admission price of a theme park ticket, the entertainment-led festival will take place from 11.30am. Rides close at 7pm with entertainment continuing until 8pm.
Oktoberfest is taking place from September 10 to October 2, to find more and to book tickets, visit the Alton Towers website here.
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