Shrewsbury Oktoberfest returns this weekend with thousands of visitors expected at The Quarry on Friday and Saturday. The annual event features more than 150 drinks from local and German producers, live music, street food, stand-up comedy and a silent disco.
The festival began in 2017 as a spin on the traditional German beer festivals. Visitors can choose from beer, cider, gin, wine or non-alcoholic options.
Live Music and Entertainment
Oompah band Vorsprung Durch will perform on Saturday afternoon. The group plays traditional German polkas and waltzes, alongside arrangements of popular songs including The White Stripes' Seven Nation Army and Madness' Baggy Trousers—which frontman Neil Fury introduces as "Baggy Lederhosen".
Vorsprung Durch was formed in 2013. Band member Lisa Kendall said the musicians came together with the idea of "getting into the Oktoberfest spirit". She added that people did not have to drink alcohol to join in the festivities.
The rest of the music line-up includes covers bands Skaburst and Hot Roks, alt-folk trio Two Blank Pages, and comedy band Asparagus & The Kilburn Habit.
Stand-up comedy acts performing in the festival's comedy live lounge on Saturday include Britain's Got Talent stars Daliso Chaponda and Maddy Muden, plus stand-up performers James Dowdeswell and Jo Enright.
Food and Activities
Street food at the event will include bratwurst, burgers, chips and churros. Other activities include face painting and "carpool karaoke".