Oktoberfest is the world’s largest Volksfest. It is held annually in Munich, Germany. It is a 16-to-18-day folk festival that begins in late September and runs to the first Sunday in October. In excess of six million people attend every year. Oktoberfest originated on October 12th, 1810, in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis 1, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghhausen.

Sadly, this year’s Oktoberfest was cancelled due to the pandemic but that didn’t stop us holding our own festival here at Hazel End. The festival is well-known for its dancing, singing and general debauchery but it is most famous for its beer.

This week we got together in the lounge to recreate Oktoberfest. We entered the room to be greeted by the sounds of traditional German folk music and yodelling. The atmosphere was electric, it’s amazing, the power that music has, to transport you to another place or time.

We were ushered in by our beautiful hostesses dressed in traditional German costume. They really had gone to so much trouble to give us an authentic experience. The room was decorated with bunting, flags and a wunderbar Oktoberfest backdrop.

There was a table laden with German food, Bratwurst sausages, sauerkraut and pretzels, there was an assortment of beers and other beverages. It was a lovely spread. I’ve heard that sauerkraut is very good for you, I tried it and think I’ll have to take my chances, it wasn’t for me, but others seemed to like it, maybe it’s an acquired taste.

We had a splendid afternoon, sharing stories of our German travels, dancing and singing, drinking beer and laughing. It was so much fun. Next week we’ll be partying again for Halloween, and we cannot wait to see what the team have in store for us. We’ll keep you posted.