Bavarian beer and bratwurst bash for Ipswich Oktoberfest

The crowds enjoyed the beer at Oktoberfest. L-R Marc Bailey, Ryan Boucher, Kieran Pearce, Harry Walker, Philip Jones, Liam Jenkins. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The touring festival made an overnight stop in Ipswich this weekend.

Revellers washed down bellyfuls of bratwurst with two-pint glasses of beer.

Lisa Morley and Jenny Jones enjoying the day. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Dirndls and lederhosen were the choice of attire among some attending the German folk festival in Christchurch Park.

Almost 5,000 people bought tickets in advance of the event – inspired by the 200-year-old Bavarian custom.

The band got the crowds going in the tent at Oktoberfest in Christchurch Park. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

An oompah band led the evening entertainment – with DJs buoying the crowd on Saturday afternoon.

Event manager Donal McLaughlan explained the key to enjoyment was to avoid imbibing too much, too soon.

Inside the tent at Oktoberfest in Christchurch Park. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

He said: “Oktoberfest is massive in Germany, where they take a more leisurely pace to drinking sessions.

“Here, some people turn up and drink two-pint glasses as they would a normal glass – and quickly find themselves full and bloated.”