The weekend-long events embrace all the elements of the world's largest fair, including the Munich Dunkel, which boasts hints of chocolate, caramel and/or toffee dominated by malt, with a deep copper to dark-brown colour and creamy, light- to medium-tan head; Krystal Weiss, which is a filtered version of the usually slightly cloudy Weiss beers with vanilla undertones and slight hop aromas; and the easy drinking Royal Bavaria, which is a rich dark gold with a slight off-white foam head, with low hop flavours and a moderately dry finish. A full range of other SAB beers and ciders, as well as wine and soft drinks will also be available.
Bierfest will be hosted inside a 2500-seater Bavarian Brauhaus festooned with décor inspired by German heritage. Revellers will be served in traditional style by costumed fräuleins bearing fistfuls of beer steins to wash down authentic Bavarian food, like eisbein, German sausages, pickles, pretzels and sauerkraut. Adding to the joyful vibe, an oompah band will have you stomping your feet and raising your glasses in a toast to good times.
Besides the beer, sausages and music, Bierfest will include fun tests of strength and skill in a number of Oktoberfest challenges including a hau den lukas, a bell-ringing slideshow attraction; and a competition for the best-dressed King Ludwig and Princess Therese, with prizes to be won.
The organisers and sponsors support responsible drinking with a "Cheers no Gears" campaign, which is why they have brought Goodfellas, Avis Point 2 Point and Sport on board to ensure that everyone gets home safely. Or you could make a weekend of it and stay over at a hotel in the Tsogo Sun group, which will be offering special rates for Bierfest patrons.
Tickets for Bierfest can be reserved online, with corporate packages and group bookings available. Tables of 12 or more will automatically be entered into a draw for a trip for two to the Munich Oktoberfest. All purchases of food and drink at the festival will be transacted with "crowns", available in denominations of R20 and sold in packs of five. Crowns are non-refundable.
The events are not open to anyone under the age of 18; soft drinks will be on sale for designated drivers.
For more details and bookings, go to www.bierfest.co.za or www.itickets.com/order/new/284610 for ticket information.
