Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park was overrun with lederhosen-wearing revellers this weekend – Oktoberfest landed! With an incredible selection of beers, a food village and fantastic programme on the main stage, you could easily have stayed there all weekend. And many did!
Drink Me
Shropshire Festivals are committed to using local suppliers where possible. So there were very few big name beers. Just fantastic local breweries, and some great Bavarian beers from brands like ABK. Highlights included a smooth dark wheat beer from Geipel, and a fantastic array of SIBA award winning cask ales from Bewdley Brewery.
If you don’t like beer, then you could enjoy a gin bar, local wines from Kerry Vale, Prosecco, cocktails and plenty more. Non-drinkers needed only turn to Dry By Choice, who will soon be opening a bottle shop in Shrewsbury.
Entertain Me
The Vorsprung Durch Oompah band kept spirits high on the main stage and around the festival. The German band played traditional songs for dancing alongside covers of popular favourites. There was also a great variety of styles performed within the programme by other great bands and artists. Five O’Clock Hero seemed to be particularly well received with a range of covers including The Who and the Jam.
Eat Me
If you needed a little something to wash down the beer, the bratwurst was the obvious choice. However, there was also the temptation of a hog roast, the Wild Street Kitchen and wonderful Gyoza Gyoza. All brilliant local traders. And speaking of local, did you try the Millionaire’s Shortbread from Crumbs Box? This family powerhouse is creating irresistible bakes right here in Shropshire and definitely worth checking out.
Remember Me
If you didn’t come along, it’s certainly worth putting in your diary for next year. The atmosphere was absolutely wonderful. I visited during the day and it was a family-friendly affair. There was plenty for the kids to do, with garden games strewn around the arena. There was plenty of seating and we were blessed with beautiful sunshine after a rainy Friday. It is an incredibly well organised festival and comes highly recommended.
I was gifted press tickets for the event, but my write up is an honest reflection of my experience.
This was a really well organised event, but really don’t see how it can be called an October fest. if you want a generic music event this is definitely for you but if you go expecting October fest you will be disappointed. Also need more seating next year and those plastic glasses were a pain and ruined any good tasting beer. But still a great event for the family . X
Well, I think there was plenty of Oktoberfest action going on personally, given that we are in Shropshire – and plastic is a necessity at events of that scale. But agreed, it was a great family atmosphere.