Celebrate Oktoberfest in Malta... twice

There's no need to be green with envy when you receive a drunken text from your friends celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, this weekend - because you too can be green after a few nights of alcohol abuse at one of the two upcoming local Oktoberfest festivals.

And we all know how much the Maltese love beer, so why not celebrate that fact just like the Germans do? Löwenbräu's drinking extravaganza will take place on the brewery's grounds in Qormi between Thursday and Sunday and PRES, the event organisers responsible for the Delicata Wine Festival, are hosting their boozy bash at the Trade Fair Grounds in Naxxar over three days from October 21.

Oktoberfest started in 1810 with the celebration of the marriage of Bavarian Crown Price Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildeburghasen. The original festival was held in a Munich meadow and only lasted a day... but despite the fact that the marriage failed, the Germans still celebrate the festival over two weeks and two days.

Last year's Löwenbräu's Oktoberfest attracted 40,000 people and this year it's promising to attract even more visitors, Jeremy Cassar, Marsovin's general manager said, sandwiched between two buxom beer-serving Fräuleins at the press launch.

"The event is now in its seventh year and is unique due to its location and the fact that the beer is brewed on site. The brewery will be transformed for four days into the Oktoberfest venue with an authentic Bavarian atmosphere."

Stefan Salomone, Löwenbräu's brand manager, said a special Löwenbräu beer brewed for the occasion will be available to try in an official souvenir mug - as well as original Löwenbräu, imported Fosters and the local beer 1565.

But it's not all about beer... there will also be plenty of musical entertainment in three areas. On Thursday, on the main stage presented by Valerie Vella, crowds will flock to see songstress Ira Losco perform - as well as Hooligan and Miriam Christine. While on the House of Rock stage, which will be powered by 89.7 Bay Radio, festival-goers can boogie to BNI and the Beangrowers.

On Friday's main stage Enzo Gusman, Joe Demicoli and Olivia Lewis will be introduced by TV personality Claire Aguis. On the Rock stage Frenzy Mono, Hidden Sun and Screamdaisy will entertain.

Saturday will have a presenting team of Joe id-Dulli and Veronique and will be joined on the main stage by J Anvil, Fabrizio Faniello and Sur Gawdenz & Co., Corkscrew, Rug and Kalamazoo will perform on the Alternative stage.

The final night will be introduced by DJ Banana and the crowds will be treated to a show by Eurovision star Chiara and everyone's favourite Freddie Portelli. Ganni Zammit, Sander Agius and Owen Bonnici will get the rockers rocking.

There will also be a DJ stand sponsored by KSL for the party people and a children's area - Safari Orchard (minors will only be served juice and not beer!) - where kids can enjoy a bouncy castle, merry-go-round, magicians, jugglers, stilt-walkers and a singing competition.

A showcase of the finalists of the Power Fruit Competition will also be on display and the winner of the trip for two to Euro Disney, Paris, will be announced.

There will also be a Harley Davidson stand showcasing classic bikes and over-beered foodies can munch on traditional German sausage, oriental, Turkish and Italian food.

Doors open at 7 p.m. till late and entrance is free. Click on: www.1565beer.com for more details.

PRES are promising to offer the greatest number of local and foreign beer brands under one roof at their beer festival which will see The Trade Fair Grounds transformed into four Bavarian villages.

München Hall, Nürnberg Hall, Regensburg Hall, Würzburg Hall and Neumarkt Hall will be decorated in typical Bavarian flags, banners and murals and have continuous live oompah bands... creating the traditional mood for swaying and beer drinking.

There will also be music from local bands and food stalls offering Bavarian specialities like grilled pork knuckles, Weisswurst (traditional German hot dogs), Hendl (grilled chicken), Dampfundel (steamed honey-dumpling served with vanilla sauce), and Kaiserschmarrn (a sugared pancake with raisins, and of course, apple strudel.

The Essenplatz, the part of the festival that is outside, will be filled with street entertainers and children will have a safe area where animators will keep them occupied for hours with face painting, arts and crafts.

The PRES Oktoberfest will open on Friday and Saturday from 5.30 p.m. till midnight and from 11.30 a.m. on Sunday also to midnight - click on: www.pres-malta.com for more details.

So now there's no need to jump on a plane to Germany to enjoy Oktoberfest after all!