Oktoberfest is at Alton Towers: Here's what to expect
I always feel a sense of sadness at the end of summer. It's a little bit like the feeling in January and February, before the spring.
Come mid-September, as the nights get darker and the weather turns, thoughts generally turn towards Christmas.
But we might have a solution to the autumn blues for you – Oktoberfest at Alton Towers. Bookings can be made at https://www.altontowers.com/explore/events/oktoberfest/
I say this because the launch of this Oktoberfest almost feels like an extension of the summer.
There's a party vibe, dancing and music, the chance to tuck into tasty dishes and drink beer – and that's before you hop on all of the great rides that Alton Towers has to offer.
Oktoberfest is running until September 29 and the beauty of it is that, with unpredictable weather, it can be enjoyed in the sunshine or rain.
If September brings sunshine, people will be able to sit and enjoy the surroundings of the Bavarian style mini village which has been set up at the heart of Alton Towers.
But there is also a huge covered front lawn seating area, if it rains, where guests will be able to enjoy a wide range of games and activities, as well as a brand-new Bavarian-inspired food and drink menu and special entertainment, courtesy of a Lederhosen wearing dancers, singers and musicians.
Oktoberfest entertainment is uplifting and, what's more, runs for an extra hour after rides close, which means you can delay your departure and really make the most of your day.
Entertainment is from 10am-7pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – as well as 10am-5pm on Monday through Thursday and crowds are able to enjoy, for example, an Oktoberfest Sing-along, with crowds really getting involved with upbeat tunes like Chelsea Dagger and Sweet Caroline.
There's a Bierkeller Oompah Show, with traditional accordionist Robert Burton, The Oomparty Band, provide unique covers of club classics and throwback anthems and the Lebhaft Tanzen Show – full of dancing, traditional Bavarian costumes and an Oktoberfest soundtrack. You can't help but smile.
There's some great food to tuck into as well, with packages to suit all ages and tastes.
A Brat & Pretzel Pair – Bratwurst, Cinnamon pretzel and a soft drink – starts from £16 but really does fill you as does the Oompha Grill – a great-tasting Grill platter (Kartoffeln, Spätzle und Frikadellen) with a pint of German Beer, from £20.
Visitors can also enjoy chips and curly fries for £5 while there is an option to add cheese or have them with scampi or crispy chicken.
Away from Oktoberfest fun, families can, of course, enjoy the wonderful CBeebiesLand, celebrating 10 years this summer.
The Curse at Alton Manor is great value and keeps the interest going throughout – and a perfect appetiser as we get ready for Scarefest.
The Congo River Rapids are popular with visitors along with Thi3teen, The Wicker Man, Runaway Mine Train, Flavio’s Fabulous Fandango, Marauders Mayhem, The Blade, Rita and, of course, for the brave Nemesis Reborn.
Away from rides, it’s also nice to be able to take in the beautiful gardens and Sharkbait Reef, a mini Sea Life Centre.
Oktoberfest entertainment runs for an extra hour after rides close, from 10am-7pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – as well as 10am-5pm on Monday through Thursday.
The Bierkeller Oompah Show is at 11.45am, 2.30pm and 5.15pm with the Oktoberfest Sing-along at 1pm, 3.25pm and 6.30pm.
The Party Pilots are on stage at 12.30pm, 3.15pm and 6pm, the Lebhaft Tanzen Dance Show from 1.30pm, 4.15pm and 7pm and The Oomparty Band at 2pm, 4.45pm and 7.30pm.
Families can enjoy a fantastical day out with the exclusive Parent & Toddler Pass, which is just £29 for an adult and toddler aged five years and under. See https://www.altontowers.com/tickets-passes/day-passes/parent-toddler-pass/