Tops at Spar Bierfest

As well as the specially crafted Bavarian beers, it's also a feast of fine Bavarian cuisine, an opportunity to dress up in lederhosen, pigtails and dirndls, its dancing to the ridiculously infectious oompah beats and letting loose while singing "Heidi!" at the top of your lungs.

Attendees will once again be partaking in a 204-year-old tradition that began in Munich, Germany. History has it that when Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig married Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on 12 October, 1810, he invited the entire city of Munich to what eventually became the world's biggest after party.

From the moment one enters the Brauhaus, the senses are assailed by a rich mixture of traditional Bavarian oompah music (played live by a seven-piece band throughout the day), beautifully coloured décor, the aroma of Bavarian cuisine and, of course, freshly brewed beers - made but once a year for the occasion.

Three special beers

Founding partner South African Breweries have once more called upon their Master Brewers to craft three special, limited edition Bavarian-styled beers just for Bierfest: the ever-popular Royal Bavaria Oktoberfest Bier, the traditional Krystal Weiss Protea Edelweiss and the speciality dark ale - the King Ludwig Munich Dunkel. Master Brewers will be located on site for tasting and beer education at Bierfest's Braumeister Ecke (aka Brewmasters' Corner).

Frauleins in traditional attire will greet you with smiles as you are escorted to your table and thereafter ensuring that your Bierfest experience is nothing short of magical.

More than just a beer festival, Bierfest places great care and consideration in its meal choices for hungry Bierfestarians! Once again, the Bierfest menu caters to all tastes, from the succulent eisbeins to healthy vegetarian options and delectable platters.

A smorgasbord of traditional Oktoberfest challenges will be on offer to test your strength and skill. A new feature is the 'snuff kanon'. This device with its medieval origins does exactly what its name suggest - it is a cannon that shoots snuff.

The ARA #DrinkSmart Programme presented by Redline, Bierfest's responsible consumption programme, offers visitors a number of alternative transport options. #DrinkSmart provides Bierfest patrons with a range of safe and affordable choices to drink responsibly and get home safely. Rehydration stations and a Designated Driver Rewards Programme, Good Fellas memberships and preferred rates with Rikkis Taxis, Sports Taxis and Uber has seen Bierfest's #DrinkSmart initiative be officially endorsed by the Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (the ARA). Go to www.bierfest.co.za/noregrets for more info.

Ticketing

Bierfest offers revellers four different ticket options, specially designed to suit everybody's budget and requirements:

• Ze Braumeister! R906.30 per person. Includes: premium traditional Bavarian meal, dedicated Fraulein to your table, complimentary premium bar (limited), complimentary can of JIGUJA detox drink, VIP reserved seating, premium costume accessories, ze complimentary 1L Bierfest stein (one per person), parking, Glamcam photo.
  
• Ze Brauhaus! R450.30 per person. Includes: traditional Bavarian meal, complimentary bar (limited), complimentary can of JIGUJA detox drink, costume accessories, Glamcam photo.
  
• Über Bier Hall Ticket: R195 per person includes 1 x 500ml beer, a can of JIGUJA, a dress-up item and more.
  
• Standard Bier Hall Ticket: R125 per person includes entrance to the event, along with a complimentary beer tasting.

Individuals who purchase a table of 12, or more, will stand a chance to win a trip for two to the 2015 Munich Oktoberfest, courtesy of HRG Rennies Travel.

All tickets can be booked through the Bierfest website www.bierfest.co.za.

The event is not open to anyone under the age of 18.
For more details and bookings, go to www.bierfest.co.za