Autumn is here and with it comes the traditional celebration of Oktoberfests to shake off the blues.
York’s very own Bavarian-style beer festival – Yorktoberfest – kicked off last weekend at the Racecourse, with a full house of partygoers in festive spirits, clad in the traditional dirndls and lederhosen, as well as a variety of less traditional outfits.
With both Yorktoberfest sessions last weekend sold out, this Friday and Saturday offers the last chance to get together with friends, colleagues and loved ones and experience what has become established as York’s favourite party over the five years since its debut.
Yorktoberfest promises plenty of laughs, live entertainment and lederhosen, in a giant fully-styled beer tent at the Clocktower Enclosure, York Racecourse. The internationally-acclaimed seven-piece live band, The Bavarian Strollers get the party going with their thigh-slapping, foot-stomping oompah tunes as well as feel-good disco classics. Their Bavarian table dances and German ‘prosit’ toasts make Yorktoberfest a memorable experience.
Making Yorktoberfest even more memorable is acclaimed drag artist and MC, Velma Celli, the undisputed star of the show. Irreverent, hilarious and audacious, Velma has been mesmerising Yorktoberfest audiences with her powerhouse vocals and wicked humour, receiving rave reviews across social media. She takes the party to another level, selecting contestants for her dance-offs and best-dressed competitions.
Event organiser James Cundall, CEO of Jamboree Entertainment says “Yorktoberfest is the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in all the fun of a Bavarian festival and forget the world outside. We still have some individual tickets and tables of six left for this Friday in both standard and VIP, and on Saturday afternoon and evening sessions we have VIP individual tickets and tables of six available, but are already sold out in standard, so now is the time to get your friends or work-mates together and party!”
“Our VIP tables are situated between the two stages so you are close to the entertainment plus they have waitress service, which means our fabulous staff will bring all the drinks and food to you, so you can maximise your time having fun rather than toing and froing to the bar. It makes an ideal option for office parties, groups or that special occasion,” adds Mr Cundall.
The Bavarian Bar serves a variety of delicious beers from local supplier Brew York as well as a range of wines, prosecco, spirits, zero beers and soft drinks. German-inspired food is also available from The Dog Haus, catering for all tastes with the essential favourites of sausages, schnitzels and pretzels as well as vegan and vegetarian options.
Yorktoberfest takes place this Friday 24th October from 7pm-11pm and on Saturday 25th October at 1pm – 5pm and 7pm – 11pm at the Clocktower Enclosure at York Racecourse. Tickets can be booked through www.ticketsource.co.uk/yorktoberfest priced either individually at £25 for standard and £35 for VIP, or in tables of six at £150 for standard and £210 for VIP. An online booking fee applies. Tickets will also be available at the entrance, subject to availability.
