HUNDREDS of revellers donned lederhosen and raised beer steins as they descended on Southend to celebrate Oktoberfest.

The world-famous German festival took over Priory Park in Prittlewell on Friday and Saturday, offering excited guests a “traditional Bavarian bash”.

Festival-goers stamped their feet to Oompah, wore traditional leather breeches and danced while enjoying vast amounts of beer served in authentic beer steins and a range of German food - from bratwurst to schnitzel.

Cheers - Sam Smith, Greg Smith and their friends Cheers - Sam Smith, Gregg Smith and their friends (Image: Newsquest)


Despite heavy rainfall across the festival weekend, attendees heaped praise on organisers for bringing the party to Southend.

Brothers Sam and Greg Smith, who headed to the event with a large group of friends from across Southchurch, said the event brought a large crowd of people from as far as London to the city.

Sam said: “Oktoberfest is a really nice event, and it really brings people together, and for us we have seen that it has brought dozens of people to Southend.

Great time - Jenny Rawsell and Leigh Donovan Great time - Jenny Rawsell and Leigh Donovan (Image: Newsquest)


“It is really good to see, and we have met people who have come down from Southend from London and I have met people in the tent who I haven’t seen in years.

“It has been like a big reunion for me and my friends.

“We are all based in Southchurch so for us, we have seen a lot of people we know, it is a great event and an incredible experience for Southend residents.”

Mixed - Charley Brett, Greg Mynott and Alan BaxterMixed - Charley Brett, Greg Mynott and Alan Baxter (Image: Newsquest)


Jenny Rawsell and Leigh Donovan, both based in Southend, were also full of praise for the festival, hailing the annual event “safe and fun”.

Jenny said: “The event has been so much fun for us; the atmosphere here has been so good and it has been organised very well.

“It is safe and secure and welcoming; everyone has been very friendly towards everyone else as well.”

The event was held in three sessions including one Friday evening and two in the afternoon and evening on Saturday, with the late-night session fully sold out.

Celebrated in Munich for close to 190 years, the festival has become internationally popular and is designed to mix people together and encourage a friendly and lively atmosphere.