Whilst summer is undoubtedly the most anticipated season of the year, it is often the most disappointing. 
At least with autumn we know what to expect and generally it doesn’t let us down: the days get shorter; the weather turns cooler; we celebrate Halloween and we begin the countdown to Christmas.
With autumn also comes the German tradition of Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany in 1810 and the festival has been held almost every year to this day. It is an annual 16-day folk festival (more commonly recognised these days as a beer festival) which runs from mid-September to the first weekend in October. Visitors are greeted by numerous tents which together span 100 acres, housing various different breweries, and each seating up to 8,500 people. In addition to beer drinking, visitors can also enjoy amusement rides, food stalls and traditional live music.
Over 6 million people from around the world attend the event in Munich and, as its popularity continues to grow, more and more countries are starting their own celebrations and version of the event. This year sees the first Oktoberfest London – the biggest version of the German festival ever held in the capital with a predicted 24,000 visitors.
If you’re thinking of going, make sure you dress for the occasion and channel your inner Bavarian with a Tracht (or traditional outfit). For the women it’s the Bavarian Dirndl dress with apron and white (often revealing) shirt or the female lederhosen (don’t forget your wiesen glupperl). For the guys, it’s usually lederhosen, shirt, alpine hat and a sturdy pair of shoes, finished off with a nice pair of suspenders (of the braces variety!).
So if you love beer and fancy some ‘German style’ fun, round up your mates and get yourself to London’s Wapping where you can join the capital’s Oktoberfest celebrations this autumn.