Details revealed with packed line-up confirmed for the return of Shropshire Oktoberfest - here's everything you need to know
The summer isn't even over but organisers are getting ready for Shropshire’s biggest beer festival to return to Shrewsbury's Quarry this October.
Aside from the Lederhosen-clad crowd and occasional Oompah, Shropshire Oktoberfest puts a local twist on the Oktoberfest format, celebrating local brewers, cidermakers, producers, street food, and live bands.
The Shropshire Festivals’ event first began in 2017 and since then, attendance figures have doubled.
The event's huge marquees and tipis are lined with brewers, cidermakers, distillers and producers from across the Midlands and Welsh border.
It takes place in Shrewsbury’s Quarry on Friday, October 3, from 5pm to 10pm, and on Saturday, October 4, from 12pm to 10pm.
Beth Heath, from Shropshire Festivals, said the number of attendees dressing up for the festival has also risen over the years - with people showing a real appetite for getting in the Oktoberfest swing of things.
She said: “From human pickles to walking beer bottles, with plenty of lederhosen and dirndl in between, we’ve seen it all at Oktoberfest! Preparing festival outfits seems to grow in popularity every year, so this year we’ll be crowning the best dressed at the event, so we’d love festivalgoers to really up the ante!”
New to the event for 2025 are Bewdley Brewery from the Worcestershire countryside, and Two Farmers, who produce hand-cooked crisps from Herefordshire potatoes, who will both be part of the occasion.
Beth explained what people can expect from the event.
She said: "It’s the best night out of the year! From 18 to 80+, everyone is welcome, as long as you let your hair down and have fun!
"The event is nearly all under the cover of our huge beer tents and tipis, with a huge live music stage, silent disco tent, Lanyon Bowdler Live Lounge, Volvo Cars Shrewsbury’s Carpool Karaoke, and lots of brilliant brewers and producers serving up tasty tipples and treats.
"There’s plenty of seating with Oktoberfest-style long beer tables on one side, and then the live music stage on the other, with tipis in between.
"Head outside to our street food village to fill up on tasty tucker, and if you’re looking for an exclusive area with a great view of the stage and posh toilets, you need tickets to the Start Tech VIP Area – but hurry, they usually sell out!"
Friday’s music lineup features Katie Brisbourne & DJ Dan Anderton, Callum & The Pookies, Hot Rox, and SkaBurst. On Saturday, the stage will host Radio Rumours, Midnight Symphony, Vorsprung Durch Oompah, Supersonic – The Sound of Oasis, Dirty Rockin Scoundrels, Groove Dynamite, Lost the Plot, and Ego Friendly.
Festival goers can also pick their own music in the silent disco tent and have five minutes of fame at Volvo Cars Shrewsbury’s Carpool Karaoke.
The event features live comedy in the Live Lounge on Saturday, and live music throughout.
Tickets are available at www.shropshireoktoberfest.co.uk.
