Singing, dancing and beer: my Oktoberfest experience in Southampton

Despite having two universities and dozens of clubs, pubs and bars, Southampton is not exactly notorious for its thriving nightlife.

It has instead garnered the reputation of being rather ‘meh’ when compared to renowned drinking capitals in the UK such as Newcastle, Manchester or Cardiff.

However, the atmosphere changed on Saturday as a large beer tent was erected outside the Guildhall on Above Bar Street and hundreds donned their lederhosen for Oktoberfest.

The beer festival, which is celebrated in different cities across the world, brought together young and old for an afternoon of singing, dancing and of course… drinking.

Oktoberfest drew massive crowds to Southampton (Image: NQ) Visitors to the festival can choose between two tickets, the VIP or the standard, which both yield a fantastic experience.

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Those in the standard area are seated at the large benches in the middle of the beer tent that are only dry for about 20 minutes before being soaked in drinks.

There was a selection of beers, plus cider, wine, prosecco, and soft drinks on offer.

But with pints being priced at more than £5 each, it doesn’t take long for Oktoberfest to become quite an expensive shindig.

Attendees danced as the Bavarian Strollers performed (Image: NQ) While drinking, visitors were able to enjoy live music from The Bavarian Strollers, who brought all the best Oompah tunes and all the classics such as Sweet Caroline.

Here I note that the band were met by boos after telling the audience there had been a song request for Taylor Swift.

Despite the apparent volume of alcohol consumption, from what I could tell there were no kick offs or bad behaviour, and the great mood continued until the Bavarian Strollers' very last track.

The Archbishop speaking with security (Image: NQ) All in all, I would recommend Oktoberfest to all those living in Southampton who enjoy a social bit of Saturday drinking.

Whether a couple, group of friends or solo drinkers, I believe there is something at Oktoberfest to be enjoyed by all.